The Criminal Court has ordered 21-year-old Maahu Hassan of Th. Dhiyamigili, Hithadhoo, to remain in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings over the fatal Sosun Magu crash in Malé.
Maahu was initially remanded for 15 days on suspicion of causing a person’s death through negligent conduct. After the initial detention period ended, he was brought before the court again, which ordered that he remain in custody until the conclusion of the trial.
According to details cited in the initial remand order, Maahu was riding without a valid driving licence, at high speed and in a dangerous zigzagging manner while under the influence of drugs when the crash occurred.
He collided with another motorcycle in the early hours of September 20. The passenger, 26-year-old Aishath Maahidha of Sh. Fokaidhoo, Magumatheege, suffered serious brain injuries in the crash.
Maahidha was treated at ADK Hospital for four days, but her condition did not improve and she died from her injuries on September 25.
Following his arrest, Maahu reportedly told authorities that he had also sustained injuries in the crash and requested to be released from custody. He also said he did not require a lawyer.
Magistrate Ibrahim Zihuny, however, reminded Maahu that statements made without legal representation could be used against him and that he has the right to remain silent.
Under the newly implemented Road Transport Act, dangerous or negligent driving carries a fine of MVR 25,000 to MVR 100,000. If the offence results in injury to another person, the fine increases to MVR 100,000 to MVR 500,000. A criminal case may also be pursued under the Penal Code.
Before the fatal crash, Maahu had already been stopped and fined more than four times this year for riding without a valid driving licence.
