Addu couple's death: Cause still unknown, police await analysis

Police say the cause of death of the couple found dead in a house in Hithadhoo, Addu, on October 22 remains undetermined, as the required analysis report has not yet been received.

The deceased were identified as Ibrahim Abdulla, 60, of Kureynuge, Hithadhoo, and Farahnaaz Rasheed, 52, of Nares, Maradhoo.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday to brief the media on police operations in the South Region, Regional Commander Ahmed Shameem said the case is still under investigation. He noted that there is currently no indication of foul play.

Shameem said police had considered conducting an autopsy, but the couple were buried on October 25 without one. He added that the house was securely locked from the inside, and police had to work with the public to gain access.

“We still don’t believe there was any negligence or involvement by others. However, samples were not taken, and the analytical report has not yet been received. So for now, we cannot confirm the cause of death,” Shameem said.

Ibrahim Abdulla was the elder brother of journalist Leevan Ali Nasir, who reported on the incident for Adhadhu. Citing eyewitnesses, Leevan wrote that the deaths were believed to have been caused by smoke from a generator used to power the house.

According to Leevan, Ibrahim had recently returned to Hithadhoo after years at sea and was preparing to settle in a house he was completing in the tourism zone. As electricity had not yet been connected to the area, he used a generator placed in a separate room of the house.

The couple was discovered after a prolonged absence. When police and members of the public entered the house, there was no electricity and traces of smoke were observed.