Thu, 17 Jul 2025

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DHIVEHI

President orders full release of rooftop fall inquiry report

17 Jun 2025

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Juman Anwar

Photo: The President's Office

The Presidential Commission investigating the fall of 21-year-old Hawwa Yumn Rasheed from a building in Malé has concluded its inquiry and submitted its final report to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

In a notable move towards transparency, President Dr Muizzu has instructed that the report be published in full, marking a first in the country’s presidential history.

The five-member Commission, led by Dr Mohamed Munavvar, was appointed on April 27 to investigate the circumstances surrounding Yumn's fall. One June 1, it pledged to complete the inquiry within two weeks.

During its initial press briefing, the Commission stated its independence and assured the public that the investigation would be free from external influence.

To encourage public participation, the Commission launched an official online portal for evidence submission. Citizens were also invited to share information in person or via written statements at the Commission’s offices.

As part of the inquiry, the Commission conducted site inspections, consulted staff from relevant agencies, and interviewed Raudh Ahmed Zilal as well.

The incident occurred in the early hours of April 18, 2025. Yumn reportedly fell through a window in the stairwell on the ninth floor of H. Fentenoy and landed on the rooftop of the adjacent building, H. Mitaaz. She sustained injuries consistent with a high fall. Authorities confirmed that no immediate assistance was provided at the scene, despite the presence of others.

Following a court order, police seized mobile phones from seven individuals, including both Yumn and Raudh. Travel bans were imposed on eight people, and two residences were searched under judicial authorisation.

Raudh Ahmed Zilal, who was with Yumn at the time of the incident, remains central to the investigation. The Prosecutor General’s Office has formally charged him in the Criminal Court under Section 618 of the Maldives Penal Code for failing to provide assistance to a person in need without reasonable cause. If convicted, Raudh faces a custodial sentence of one month and six days.

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