Timeline Revealed in MNU Accommodation Death; Authorities Urge Public to Avoid Misinformation

Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan has outlined a timeline of events leading up to the death at the student accommodation facility of the Maldives National University (MNU), as authorities urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation.

According to the minister, initial contact was made with victim support services on the evening of 20 April, when the individual sent a message via Viber. Victim support responded shortly after, prompting further communication in which the individual expressed distress. Ihusaan said that communication ceased for a while shortly after that. 

Several hours later, shortly after midnight, the individual sent another message, the minister outlined. Victim support responded, urging the individual to seek assistance and go to a hospital. Authorities confirmed that no call was made to emergency services at that time.

The minister said the individual’s Viber account went offline approximately 15 minutes after the last exchange. Shortly after, authorities became aware that the individual had contacted a family member. Victim support then reached out to the family and requested assistance.

At around 1:03 a.m., victim support contacted the police command centre, requesting officers to attend the scene. Officers from the relevant division were informed and arrived at the accommodation shortly after.

Police, accompanied by staff from the facility, proceeded to identify the room. Upon entry via a transom window, officers observed that an incident had occurred. Police then carried out the necessary procedures at the scene, according to the minister. 

Authorities have urged the public not to share unverified information, warning that misinformation could cause additional distress to the victim’s family.

The minister also said the case will be subject to internal review, with the possibility of independent oversight. He further noted a rise in cases involving children being reported to police, urging parents to remain vigilant.