Hulhumale’ car collision: driver receives 3-day remand

The Criminal Court has sentenced a three-day remand on Ibrahim Ikram, the driver involved in the high-speed vehicular collision in Hulhumale’ Phase II.

Ikram was driving the sports car that was involved in a high-speed accident, which ended injuring an idle biker.

He had appealed with the High Court citing wrongful remand extended to him initially, which ended in his favor this Sunday. The first appellate court in its judgement had found the initial remand on Ikram had been unlawful since he was not granted opportunity for legal representation.

Although he was acquitted following the High Court judgement, Ikram was arrested the same evening through a court warrant.

Ikram’s acquittal directed widespread public criticism and concerns about safety for victims. Home Minister Ali Ihusan, in response, said they looked into police conduct in the incident, and were trying to arrest the driver once more.

The minister promised stiff action against any individual found liable with negligence, that resulted in Ikram’s acquittal initially.

Besides Ikram, authorities arrested Ikramul-Rahman and Jinah Ismail – both were in the car at the time of the accident – with the former getting a remand until verdict, and a 15-day remand for the latter.

Immediately after the accident, Ikram had absconded but was arrested the following day, and claimed he left the scene due to chest pains after waiting for some time.

Police said that it took about 10 minutes between the collision and the ambulance’s arrival for the victim, and there was no reason to believe considerable time elapsed warranting for Ikram’s absence at the scene.

Ikram has requested for leniency stating he is a father of two.

The biker, a 27-year-old local man, sustained significant injuries in the accident, including damages to facial bones. He is currently being treated at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).