Faisal’s suicide attempt: Police accused of negligence

The shocking news of the suspicious death of the woman was followed by another shocker; the attempted suicide of the husband arrested in connection to her death whilst in police custody.

Nishama was taken to Nolhivaram Health Centre at approximately 14:14pm on Saturday afternoon after she was discovered dead in her room, at her home.

Nishama’s husband, Aboobakuru Faisal, is suspected of murdering her. He works as a technician at the Fenaka branch in Nolhivaram. Following Nishama’s death, he fled the island and went to Kulhudhuffushi.

He later turned himself in at Kulhudhuffishi Police Station. He was remanded in police custody for 15 days on Sunday.

Faisal was found attempting to kill himself by hanging in his cell by police at approximately 11:15pm on Monday night. He was brought to Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital at approximately 11:40pm. A reliable source confirmed to Sun that Faisal’s heart was not beating when he was brought to the hospital. The source further stated that Faisal’s condition was critical, and he was being treated at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Although such incidents have become a rarity in the Maldives at present – Faisal’s suicide attempt raises questions of police negligence. Many have raised questions with respect to the matter on social media as well.

Police must take responsibility

Former Prosecutor General Muhthaaz Muhsin told explained to Sun that a detainee hanging himself or herself in the cell significantly showcased negligence on the part of police. He added that such incidents are a result of the failure to carry out proper monitoring.

“First of all, no such arrangements should be inside the cell. Such kind of thing should not especially happen in custodial based on an island. Should not be on duty to play with phone or sleep. Must monitor closesly,” he had said.

“Police must take full responsibility for this,” he added.

Special regulations have been formulated regarding the handling od detainees. In this regard, Police follows a regulation under the name ‘Custodial Management Manual’. As per the regulation, all cells where detainees are kept must have CCTV cameras, and must be monitored around the clock. Duty officers are required to physically visit the cell for monitoring at least once every hour. Detainees with higher probabilities of hurting themselves must be monitored with special attention. Cells where such detainees are kept must not contain any item they could use to harm themselves.

A retired police officer who has held senior posts in Maldives Police Service told Sun under the condition of anonymity that such incidents occur due to carelessness in monitoring detainees. The officer said although effective regulations are in place, the incidents occur due to failure to enforce them.

“There will be standard that every cell must meet. It is negligence of the police if there are ways one can hang themselves,” the retired officer added.

The case is presently under investigation by the National Integrity Commission (NIC). When asked for a statement regarding the case, NIC’s President Gasim Abdul Kareem said that investigation has not proceeded to a stage where information can be disclosed to the media.

Sun was also unable to obtain a statement from the Human rights Commission.

Death arising from violence and negligence were highly common in Maldivian prisons previously. However, such incidents are not rare. Faisal’s attempted suicide is a testament to the fact that the issue still requires better solutions.

Police have disclosed little detail regarding their investigation into Nishama's death, other than to confirm the death is being treated as suspicious. A special team of investigators have been sent to Nolhivaram to investigate the case.

Her body has been transported to Male’ City, and is set to be flown overseas for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Nishama’s family believes she was killed by her husband as she is a victim of domestic violence. She reportedly had visible injuries on her body.

A trustable source also confirmed to Sun that Faisal is a drug addict.

Nishama is survived by three young children.