Minister Denies Police Negligence in Ongoing Investigation, Says There Are No Grounds for His Resignation

Minister for Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan said he sees no reason to resign from his post. He also asserted that the police have not been negligent in the investigation into the fall of a 21-year-old woman from the ninth floor of a building in Malé onto a warehouse roof.

Sharing a screenshot from an interview he gave to Adhadhu on X, the minister criticised journalists for using “sensationalising” headlines and posting news that appears out of context. He said he was posting the most important parts from the interview he gave. 

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

In the screenshot he posted, he affirms to Adhadhu that he is 100 percent behind the demands of the protesters’ call for justice and a free and transparent investigation. He also said he does not believe Ali Shujau, the Commissioner of Police, should resign either. 

He had said he does not believe the police have been negligent in their investigation so far. 

“However, I do believe they could be a bit clearer while giving their explanations,” he had said.

Ihsan said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu would make the final decision regarding the demands raised by the demonstrators, Adhadhu reported. When asked for his personal opinion, Ihsan had stated that he did not believe any incident had occurred that warranted his resignation.

“I do not believe there is any reason for me to resign, particularly in relation to this case. They are calling for my resignation, but for what reason should I step down? They have not provided any reasonable justification yet,” Minister Ihusan said.

In the serial protests held in the streets of Male’, the demonstrators called for the resignation of Minister Ihusan, Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen, and CP Ali Shujau. Regarding these demands, Minister Ihusan told Adhahdhu he does not believe anything has happened that requires him to resign from his position.

Regarding this case, the 21-year-old Raudh Ahmed Zilal, who was with the woman until she fell, was arrested on Thursday evening under a court order. He is to be kept under custody for five days.

The police have also seized the passports of the seven other individuals in connection with this case. They are barred from leaving the country at the moment.