Continuation of Athuhar's Autopsy Amid Family Disagreement

  • Maldives
  • Health
PUBLISHED 03 September 2024

The autopsy of Athuhar will proceed, despite objections from his family. Athuhar was arrested a few days ago following an incident where a woman was threatened with a knife, during which he allegedly attempted to inflict harm. In response, the police intervened forcefully, utilizing a baton to strike Athuhar on the head in order to free the woman, who was being held against her will. 


This altercation reportedly caused Athuhar to collapse, necessitating his transportation to the hospital. Medical professionals, including both a psychiatrist and a neurologist, later evaluated him, indicating that he sustained no serious medical issues.


On the same day of his arrest, Athuhar was transferred to the Dhoonidhoo remand detention center. However, the following day, social media circulated rumors about his declared death. Police maintained that Athuhar had attempted suicide while in his cell and was subsequently rushed to the hospital. Shortly thereafter, it was reported that he was placed on a ventilator but ultimately succumbed to his injuries on Monday.


After his death was announced, Athuhar's family raised concerns, claiming there were no visible signs on his body, particularly around his neck, that would indicate a suicide attempt. They demanded access to CCTV footage or other materials that could substantiate the police's claims regarding the circumstances of his death. The police have released the videos and shown it to the media last evening and have confirmed their decision to move forward with the autopsy, citing new procedural requirements for handling the deaths of prisoners in custody, irrespective of the family's opposition.


This situation has sparked significant debate and raised questions about the treatment of individuals in custody, underscoring the urgent need for transparency in police procedures and accountability when dealing with cases of alleged misconduct.