The Criminal Court has extended the detention of Raudh Ahmed Zilal, in custody over the unexplained fall of Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed, by five more days.
Raudh, 21, was arrested six days after he left Yumnu, 21, critically injured on the roof of a warehouse after she had an unexplained fall from a ten-storey building in Male'. He also tested positive for cannabis after the incident.
He was arrested on April 24 and detained for five days. His remand was extended by a further 10 days before a third remand hearing was held on Saturday.
A reliable source confirmed to Adhadhu that the police could not explain a reason for keeping Raudh in custody. They first requested his remand under Article 60 (e) of the Criminal Procedure Act.
But the defense argued that he could not be remanded under that section. Police then requested to extend his remand under Article 60 (f) of the Criminal Procedure Act. But the defense argued against it.
The proceedings were adjourned and then resumed before the judge decided to extend Raudh’s detention by five days as it might not be best to release him considering public interest.
The remand was extended without reference to any specific article of the Criminal Procedure Act.
Adhadhu understands that Raudh was arrested on charges of being intoxicated at the time of the incident, his alleged involvement in Yumnu's fall and sexual assault. Police also believe he can destroying evidence if released from custody.
There have been accusations of police lying to Yumnu's family, tampering with video footage and victim-blaming to cover up the case because it involved relatives of politically influential and wealthy figures.
