Police have tried to take away the body of a remand prisoner without the consent of his family.

Mohamed Jameel, 45, of Zamaane Villa Shaviyani Funadhoo died in prison. He was detained pending trial for assault with a dangerous and sharp weapon.

Special Operations police were active in the Hulhumale' Cemetery area as the family prepared for funeral prayers and burial.

Police tried to take his body without the family's consent in order "to check some things." There had been speculations that Jameel died due to injuries.

Male' city council initially said the funeral could not be held without police permission.

However, police later allowed the family to continue with the burial when Home Minister Ali Ihusan and Police Commissioner Ali Shujau visited the cemetery to speak with the family.

Ihusan and Shujau also took part in the funeral prayers. Jameel's family wanted to bury his body as soon as possible. The funeral was first scheduled for 12:00 am and later after dawn prayers.

Ihusan outside the cemetery. -- Photo: Adhadhu

There were three bruises on Jameel's face and some people had alleged they were caused by injuries.

In a post on X yesterday, Ihusan said he had asked the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

Ihusan said police had been ordered to conduct a post-mortem on Jameel if the family consented.

Maldives Correctional Service earlier told the media that Jameel had not left his cell and had not moved for a long time.

They took him to Maafushi jail medical center and gave him CPR. He was transferred to the Maafushi Health Center at 12:13 pm and the doctor pronounced him dead of cardiac arrest at 12:45 pm.

Corrections said the Inspector of Correctional Service, police, Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) and National Integrity Commission (NIC) were immediately informed of the death. Police are investigating the incident.

Jameel was detained pending trial for assault with a dangerous and sharp weapon. He was also undergoing treatment for a mental illness.