Knife-wielding kidnapper in ICU dies

The knife-wielding kidnapper who attempted to evade authorities with a hostage, has passed away on Monday amid treatment at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

Maldives Police Service confirmed the kidnapper, Ahmed Athuhar’s demise to ‘Sun’, notifying he was pronounced dead at 16:08hrs on Monday afternoon. Police also said it has informed Athuhar’s demise to his family members as well.

Athuhar was stopped by police officers who attempted the scene of the incident last Thursday. He was attempting to flee on a bike ridden by his hostage when officers hit him on the head with baton to neutralize the situation.

During the scuffle, Athuhar sustained injuries and was initially taken to ADK Hospital for treatment, and the later was admitted to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) on Friday, after he began vomiting.

He was taken to the observation ward of IGMH for treatment, was arrested by authorities upon discharge.

Athuhar was transferred to Dhoonidhoo Custodial when Criminal Court delivered a remand until verdict on him.

He was once again taken to IGMH for treatment on Sunday evening after he attempted to commit suicide. Athuhar was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital.

Police confirmed to media that it took 23 minutes for officers to take him from Dhoonidhoo to IGMH after discovering him hanging in his jail cell.

The National Integrity Commission (NIC) and Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) have launched an investigation into the case.