Man arrested after stabbing HDC director Ismail in Hulhumale' Phase II altercation

A man has been arrested for stabbing Ismail Abdul Rahman, a director at the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).

Police said the incident was reported at 18:37 in the reclaimed area of Farukolhufushi in Hulhumale' Phase II. Two people were injured in the altercation and were treated at Hulhumale' Hospital.

According to police, the injured individuals were a 21‑year‑old man and a 34‑year‑old man. Hospital officials said neither sustained life‑threatening injuries.

Police said the 21‑year‑old man was discharged after treatment and has since been arrested on suspicion of assault. The investigation is ongoing.

Ismail, widely known as “Isu”, is one of three individuals arrested in 2022 in connection with the murders of journalist Ahmed Rilwan and blogger Yameen Rasheed. He was later charged with two counts of aiding and abetting an act of terrorism.

The Criminal Court dismissed the charges in 2023 due to insufficient evidence, after which he was released with electronic monitoring.

He was appointed as a director at HDC in January 2024.