The Maldives Police Service has launched an investigation following the death of a man in custody in Malé.

The 41-year-old, identified as Ahmed Navshad, was pronounced dead upon arrival at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

Police stated that he was found lying in a cell on Wednesday evening and was subsequently taken to hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Authorities confirmed that the case is under investigation and has been reported to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives and the National Integrity Commission.