Police release body of Male' gas-leak victim without autopsy

The body of the woman who died in a gas leak incident inside a house in Male' City on Thursday has been handed over to her family.

A police spokesperson told Sun that the deceased, identified as Zahida Thaufeeq, Dhafthar No. RS 6210/Male' City, was released to her family on Sunday without a post-mortem autopsy.

Police did not disclose further details. A murder investigation had been underway in connection with the incident, and her body had been kept in the morgue pending investigative procedures.

A fire had broken out inside a house in Dilkushaa Goalhi, Male' City, on Thursday morning. Police also received reports of two people found in a weakened condition. According to the homeowners, they had to force entry into the room to reach the two women, who had presumably inhaled carbon monoxide from a gas leak. Police have not yet confirmed whether the gas leak is connected to the fire.

The two women were rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.

Zahida’s 19-year-old daughter, who was the second victim in the incident, is being treated at ADK Hospital, where doctors say her condition has been steadily improving.

Police said the incident remains under investigation, including determining the source and circumstances of the gas leak.