The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) has decided to pursue a case against two police officers in connection with the death of Adam Athhar, who died by suicide while in police custody.

Athhar had been detained in August last year for holding a woman hostage at knifepoint. During an attempted escape, he was struck on the head with a baton by a police officer, resulting in injuries to his head and face. Although police maintained that scans and tests revealed no serious injuries, Athhar was admitted to ADK Hospital for treatment before being discharged and placed under arrest.

A media representative from the Prosecutor General's (PG) Office disclosed that HRCM had forwarded the case three times during the duty prosecution stage, most recently on December 19. However, the PG Office has repeatedly sent the case back, citing the need for additional investigation.

HRCM has yet to release an official statement on the matter.

Footage from Athhar’s cell, shared by Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan during an unofficial press briefing, revealed troubling details. The CCTV footage showed Athhar preparing to take his own life without any police intervention, despite the cell being equipped for round-the-clock surveillance. At the time of the incident, no officers were monitoring the cell.

The footage further indicated a delay of approximately 30 minutes before police entered the cell. An officer passing by noticed the incident and alerted others. Although officers were seen cutting down the material Athhar used and placing him on the floor, no CPR or emergency medical treatment was administered.

This incident has raised serious questions about police accountability and detention protocols, prompting HRCM to push for legal action against the involved officers.