The Maldives Police Service has confirmed that an altercation took place between a woman and a man, now identified as Raudh Ahmed Zilal, shortly before the woman was found on the roof of a residential building in Malé in the early hours of April 18.

At a remand hearing for 21-year-old Raudh, who was arrested under a court order, police stated that an argument had occurred between him and the woman on the night of the incident. Police said that after the woman fell, Raudh claimed he did not know her whereabouts and believed that she may have fallen.

Raudh was remanded in custody for five days following his court appearance.

Police also confirmed that a travel ban has been imposed on eight persons of interest, including Raudh. Investigators obtained court orders to search two properties linked to the investigation.

Searches were conducted at Ma. Maandhoogé, where the terrace, second floor, and fourth floor were inspected. The third floor of H. Kathiveligé was also searched.