Body of 13-year-old murder victim yet to be sent for autopsy

Police have confirmed that they have yet to send the body of the murdered 13-year-old for autopsy.

The boy was reported missing by his family on June 20. The police were investigating the case as a possible kidnapping, when the Hulhumale' police received a report on the evening of June 21 of a child being tortured in the restricted area of Hulhumale' Phase II, prompting the police to search the area.

His body was found dumped in a suitcase in the lagoon northeast of Hulhumale’ Phase II at 02:38 am on June 22 – with significant trauma.

The police said on June 27 that  the body of the boy would be sent to India for autopsy sometime last week.

Speaking to Sun today, the media official from the Police stated that they are working closely with the relevant authorities to arrange for the autopsy.

When questioned regarding the delay, the media official explained that completing formalities to send the body takes time – especially with the pandemic posing even more difficulties.

Nevertheless, the police assured that they are working on sending the body for autopsy as soon as possible.

The police have made two arrests in connection to the case; a 17-year-old Maldivian male and a 27-year-old Maldivian male.

When presented before the court for their remand hearing on June 22, the court ordered the 27-year-old to be remanded in jail pending the outcome of the trial, and the 17-year-old to be remanded in jail for 15 days.