Police: Officers arresting man who died in custody did not use body worn camera

Maldives Police Services has revealed that the officers that arrested the man who passed away while in custody did not use body-worn cameras.

On Tuesday evening, Police announced the passing of 43-year-old Abdulla Rasheed, GDh. Hoadedhoo.

He was arrested in a counter-drug operation from a café near the harbor of GDh. Hoadedhdhoo at approximately 02:15 pm Tuesday. The police hired a private speedboat to transport him to a facility. He died en route.

The message shared with the press by Police said that a suspect who was taken into custody had complained of chest pain, and showed signs of seizure following which he was taken to Madaveli Health Centre.

They added that the doctor who examined the man confirmed that he was already dead when brought to the health center.

In the most recent update given on Wednesday morning, Police said that Abdulla’s body has been brought to Male’ City.

The National Integrity Commission and Human Rights Commission of the Maldives have been informed of this, and further investigation has been requested as well, as per the Police.

In addition to this, it has been revealed that an autopsy will be done to determine the cause of death.

Meanwhile, soon after his passing was announced, Home Minister Imran Abdulla ordered an investigation into the death of the man who passed away whilst in police custody.

Via a tweet on Tuesday night, Home Minister Imran said that Police’s Professional Standards are probing Abdulla’s death, to identify any possible negligence.

He also added that relevant authorities have been instructed to prioritize and conduct a swift investigation regarding the death. Minister Imran stressed that should negligence or brutality be uncovered during the investigation – he will not shy away from taking necessary actions against those implicated.

Abdulla is Hoadedhoo’s PPM Steering Committee’s President. His family alleges negligence from the authorities led to his death.