Lamha released: Prosecution seeks re-detention, court proposes tagging

It has been revealed that Haleemath Lamha Abdul Rahman, a prime suspect remanded in custody pending trial in a high-profile murder case, has been released from detention for an unspecified period.

Lamha is implicated in the murder of Mary Grace Oned Pineda, a Filipino nurse at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

While she had previously been released on conditions, the prosecution successfully appealed to the High Court to have Lamha re-detained. Sources indicate that Lamha has now been released once again. The prosecution is actively pursuing her re-arrest, while the Criminal Court's proposal is for her release under electronic tagging and monitoring.

A hearing concerning the charges against Lamha is scheduled for Wednesday, where a decision on her remand status is anticipated.

The prosecution had earlier requested the High Court to arrest Lamha, citing her as a dangerous individual.

Case Summary

Mary Grace Oned Pineda was found murdered in her Male' apartment on October 19, 2021. Her husband, Marvin S. Y. Vargas, faces charges of murder with intent. Lamha, his alleged mistress, is charged as an accomplice and for illegal possession of controlled medical substances. All three individuals were reportedly nurses at IGMH.

Marvin brought Mary's body to IGMH, initially claiming suicide by hanging, then later stating she collapsed. Police deemed the death suspicious. Marvin was arrested on October 27, 2021, followed by Lamha's arrest on December 16, 2021.

An autopsy report indicated that Mary died from neck and head injuries, with traces of succinylcholine, a paralytic agent, found in her bloodstream. Investigators discovered a used succinylcholine injection and two other restricted injections in Lamha's apartment. If convicted, Marvin faces a potential life sentence, while Lamha faces a minimum of six years imprisonment.