No record of emergency calls, says minister after MNU death
The 18-year-old student was found dead in his room on Monday night.
Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan has rejected claims circulating on social media that a student who died at the Maldives National University (MNU) hostel had contacted police emergency services prior to his death.
The 18-year-old student was found dead in his room on Monday night. Following the incident, posts on social media alleged that the student had been subjected to bullying and had sought help through the Family and Children Protection Department and the 911 emergency line.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office on Thursday, the Minister said there is no record of any such calls.
“That is absolutely false. There is no record of this individual or this number calling any such government or police emergency lines. We have confirmed that no calls were placed to either 911 or FCPD,” he said.
The Minister presented a timeline of communication between the student and police Victim Support services on the night of the incident.
According to the timeline, the student first sent a message at 20:40 stating he was struggling. Police responded within minutes and engaged in a short exchange. The student later stated he was going out for a walk.
At 00:38, the student sent a message stating he was “gone”. Victim Support sought clarification shortly after. The student’s contact became inactive at 00:57.
Police contacted the student’s family at 01:02 after receiving information about a message sent to his brother. Officers were dispatched at 01:03 and arrived at the hostel at 01:08.
After locating the room, officers found it locked. Entry was made through a window after the student was seen inside.
The Minister said an internal review would be conducted into the handling of the case.
He also called on the public to exercise caution when sharing information on social media and urged families to remain attentive to concerns involving young people.
