No action against ministers in woman's fall inquiry report

The presidential directive issued on Monday did not include any action against cabinet ministers named in the Presidential Commission of Inquiry’s report into the fall of Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed from the ninth floor of a building in Malé.

The directive followed the release of the commission's report, which investigated the circumstances surrounding the incident and identified issues in the investigation process. The inquiry was initiated after public concern over the handling of the case, particularly regarding potential political influence.

The report highlighted actions by two cabinet ministers — Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen and Home Minister Ali Ihsan — that, while not determined to be unlawful, were noted as inappropriate given the ongoing investigation.

According to the commission’s findings, Home Minister Ihsan contacted senior police officials and was involved in discussions regarding individuals linked to the case. On 18 April, the day of the incident, Ihsan communicated with Daud Ahmed Zilal, a presidential appointee and brother of Raud Ahmed Zilal, who was connected to the case. He also visited the scene of the incident on the same day, an act the commission stated falls outside the formal duties of a sitting Home Minister.

The report recommended that procedures be put in place to prevent ministers from visiting crime scenes during active investigations.

As for Minister Ameen, while the commission could not confirm direct influence over the investigation, it found that his phone call to the Commissioner of Police, made during the ongoing investigation involving individuals known to him, was inappropriate even if made in good faith.

Despite these observations, the statement released by the President’s Office on Monday did not address these findings or mention any measures to be taken regarding the ministers.

Presidential spokesperson Heena Waleed did not respond to media queries seeking clarification on whether any action would be taken. Attempts to reach her by phone and message went unanswered.

The President has, however, issued instructions to the Maldives Police Service and other relevant agencies to implement the recommendations in the commission’s report. These include reviewing standard operating procedures (SOPs), improving training for officers, and taking appropriate disciplinary measures against staff identified as negligent.

According to the report, the police command centre delayed informing the investigating officer by one hour after the incident. By the time the officer arrived, the crime scene had already been processed by the Scene of Crime Officer, which led to incomplete evidence collection.

The Scene of Crime Officer was also found to have inadequately processed key areas of the scene and failed to secure the rooftop of H. Mitaz, where Yumnu was found. The report noted the absence of clear scene boundaries and incomplete evidence recovery.

The President instructed that officers involved in these lapses be investigated and disciplinary actions be taken where appropriate. Additionally, the Health Ministry and relevant health units were ordered to take corrective steps following concerns raised over delayed medical response and forensic examinations.