Woman’s Fall: Family Alleges Police Misconduct

Male’, Maldives, — The family of Hawa Yumnu Rasheed, a 21-year-old Maldivian woman found injured on the rooftop of a warehouse adjacent to H. Fentenoy house on April 18, has revealed new details about her fall, accusing the Maldives Police Service of serious misconduct in a case that has sparked nationwide protests. In a live interview with Channel 13 and Raajje TV, Yumnu’s sister disclosed that five individuals were present when Yumnu fell from the ninth floor, contradicting police claims that H. Fentenoy was a random house.

Yumnu’s sister stated that Yumnu was invited to H. Fentenoy by Yusuf Yassar Abdul Ghafoor, who sent her the location. She named Raud Ahmed Zilal, Yassar, and three others as being with Yumnu at the time of the incident. The family expressed deep dissatisfaction with the police, alleging misconduct, including preventing them from accessing Yumnu’s phone and refusing to engage with them. Yumnu told family members she did not jump, insisting the incident was caused by others, and expressed fears about receiving justice.

The Maldives Police Service has faced mounting criticism over its handling of the case, particularly amid allegations of a cover-up due to the suspects’ ties to high-profile figures. Police initially stated Yumnu fell from H. Fentenoy after attending a party, with no evidence of foul play. Raud Ahmed Zilal, seen with Yumnu on CCTV footage before her fall, was arrested and remanded for five days, while a travel ban was imposed on others at the party.

Public outrage has fueled youth-led protests in Malé, prompting President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to establish a Special Presidential Commission to investigate the case, with measures like an online portal suggesting a push for transparency. The commission, which faced scrutiny after one member resigned due to a conflict of interest, launched an online portal on May 8 to share updates and collect information from the public. However, the commission has yet to seek a statement from Yumnu’s family, further fueling their frustration.

Yumnu’s case has captivated the Maldives, with many demanding justice and transparency. The family’s revelations, coupled with the commission’s new portal, have intensified scrutiny of the investigation, as calls grow for accountability in a case marked by allegations of corruption and negligence.

The police have not responded to the family’s latest allegations, and the investigation remains ongoing. As the nation awaits further developments, Yumnu’s story continues to resonate, raising questions about trust in the country’s institutions.