Raudh Released on PG Office’s Advice

Raudh Ahmed Zilal, the main suspect in the case involving the fall of a 21-year-old woman from a building in Male’, has been released from custody on the advice of the Prosecutor General’s (PG) Office.

According to police, the PG Office recommended Raudh’s release after reviewing documents submitted by investigators last Saturday. The PG Office confirmed it had received the case file and stated it will decide within 15 days whether to formally press charges.

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Public Prosecutor and PG Office spokesperson Ahmed Shafeeu commented on the release through his X account. Tagging news reports, he stated:

“The PGO usually issues such instructions when a suspect’s remand exceeds the likely sentence for the charges they’re expected to face.”PG Office spokesperson Ahmed Shafeeu

The PGO usually issues such instructions when a suspect’s remand exceeds the likely sentence for the charges they’re expected to face. https://t.co/WU6TnjPbXy— Shafeeu (@ShafeeuAhmedd) May 27, 2025

Raudh was arrested on April 24, six days after the woman was found seriously injured on the roof of a warehouse after falling from the ninth floor of Fentoniya in Henveiru. He had been in police custody since his arrest, with his detention extended multiple times by the Criminal Court.

Despite a fresh 20-day remand order issued by the court on May 20, Raudh was unexpectedly released by police on May 22. The police said the release was due to procedural issues and was made after consultation with the PG Office. He was re-arrested later the same day under a new court order.

Raudh’s legal team had raised concerns over handling his detention, arguing that the police failed to honour two valid court orders. His release came just hours before a scheduled High Court hearing on his remand, leading to the appeal being withdrawn.

The police have accused Raudh of being involved in the fall and alleged he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. They also suspect elements of sexual exploitation. No formal charges have yet been filed.

Background of the Case

The case has sparked nationwide concern and protests, with widespread accusations of interference in the investigation and political influence. The woman was found injured on April 18 at around 4:30 a.m., and was hospitalised at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) before being transferred to Malaysia on April 26 for further treatment.

Public suspicion intensified after it was revealed that Raudh is the younger brother of Daudh Ahmed Zilal, the Under Secretary for Digital Strategy at the President’s Office. Daudh was suspended without pay.

Seven other individuals linked to the case have had their passports seized and remain barred from leaving the country. Reports indicate that several of those connected to the incident were present at a gathering held in an apartment within the residence of Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen. The incident led the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) to file a no-confidence motion against Minister Ameen, though the motion was dismissed by Parliament on May 15.

The incident ignited a wave of youth-led demonstrations demanding a fair and transparent investigation. Protesters have accused authorities of protecting influential individuals and undermining justice.