Police foils remanded kidnapper’s suicide attempt, suspect taken to IGMH for treatment

Ahmed Athuhar, the kidnapper who attempted to evade law enforcement authorities last Thursday by holding a woman hostage at knife point, was rescued from attempting to commit suicide.

Maldives Police Service confirmed to local media the authority foiled the remanded kidnapper’s suicide attempt, and added he was taken to hospital for treatment. Police however did not reveal which hospital he was taken to.

Although some social media posts claimed the kidnapper had died in custody, police confirmed this was untrue.

After forcibly bringing his hostage out from a Maafannu residence at knife point, Athuhar and the victim had gotten onto a bike. The hostage was intimidated to ride the vehicle while Athuhar kept the knife placed close to the hostage’s neck, and threatened officers on site he would kill the hostage if authorities attempted to block his escape.

Officers moved in on the kidnapper from behind and hit him with baton to immobilize him. During the threat neutralization attempt, both the kidnapper and the hostage received various injuries.

While the victim was taken to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), the kidnapper was taken to ADK Hospital. Police later confirmed the victim did not sustain any major injuries and was in stable condition.

After initial treatment at ADK Hospital, Athuhar was later taken to IGMH after he began vomiting.

Police also said they had consulted Athuhar to nerve and mental health specialists, and confirmed he was not diagnosed with such issues.

Criminal Court had sentenced a remand until verdict on the kidnapper.

Policw later confirmed that Athuhar was taken to IGMH on Sunday evening for treatment after the suicide attempt.

Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Ahmed Shifan confirmed to local media the kidnapper was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and was treated under ventilator.

Meanwhile, the National Integrity Commission (NIC), Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM), and Dhoonidhoo Custodial have stepped into investigate the incident.

The police spokesperson did not reveal details or nature of the injuries Athuhar sustained during his suicide attempt.

A source with adequate knowledge about both the kidnapper and the victim confirmed to ‘Sun’ that the two were romantically involved, and lived together. The source also confirmed that while the kidnapper was unemployed, his partner had borne all their living expenses, including rent, food and other needs.

The heated conflict between the two rose on Thursday evening after the victim had reportedly refused to spend on the kidnapper.

Suicide attempts in police custody is not new, and there have been such incidents in the past. In 2021, an expatriate under Vilimale’ custodial facility committed suicide.