Credible sources have raised concerns over alleged negligence by the management and security personnel of the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) in connection with the death of a Bangladeshi worker at a waste disposal site on Thilafushi industrial island.

Police confirmed that 24-year-old Amin Mia, who was employed at the Thilafushi dump site, died after being struck on the head by an excavator. The machine was operated by 32-year-old Sri Lankan national Heshan Maduranga Disanayaka Menika, who was later arrested under a court order.

Although the incident occurred on January 26, authorities intensified search efforts only two days later, on January 28, after Amin was reported missing from the dump yard on the industrial island.

The excavator involved in the incident was being operated by a private contractor. An official from the company accused WAMCO of attempting to deflect responsibility by placing blame solely on the machine operator.

According to the official, scavenging for scrap metal such as wires and iron is a common and dangerous practice at the site, often carried out by workers. An employee from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), who spoke anonymously, said such activity regularly occurs in the area.

Sources familiar with the incident stated that the excavator was operating in what was considered a “controlled environment,” raising questions as to how site supervisors failed to notice that a worker had been struck and buried under debris. CCTV footage reportedly shows Amin being hit on the head by the excavator.

The company that rented out the excavator argued that the operator would not have been able to see the victim and would not have expected anyone to be present in a restricted work zone during operations. The official questioned why search efforts for Amin only began two days after the incident if footage clearly showed the impact.

Police initially summoned Menika on January 28, citing concerns for his safety amid fears of possible retaliation. He was released the same night and stayed at a guesthouse in Hulhumalé, according to company officials.

Menika was later arrested on Saturday night and presented in court on February 2, where his remand was extended by seven days. Police have cited negligence and the absence of a Maldivian operating license as reasons for his arrest.

However, the company official argued that responsibility should not rest solely on the operator, stating that WAMCO’s managing director, site supervisors, and security personnel should also be held accountable if negligence is established.

As of now, WAMCO has not issued any official statement regarding the incident.