Hulhumalé, July 31 – The driver involved in a high-speed crash in Hulhumalé Phase Two last July has been released from custody after the High Court overturned his remand order. The accident occurred near the Vinares flats on July 31 when a race car lost control during a turn, colliding with a motorist who had stopped on the side of the road.
The driver, Ibrahim Vikram, was arrested later that night after fleeing the scene. Despite initially being remanded in custody pending trial, Vikram appealed the decision to the High Court, which ultimately ruled in his favor.
The Maldives Police Service had requested Vikram's remand, citing concerns that he and two other passengers, who also fled, might tamper with evidence, influence witnesses, or pose a threat to public safety. The court initially agreed, ordering Vikram's detention until the trial's conclusion.
However, Vikram challenged this decision, arguing that his lawyer was not given adequate time to represent him during the remand hearing. The High Court found merit in this argument, with Judge Mohamed Faisal noting that although a lawyer was appointed to represent Vikram, there was insufficient time for proper legal consultation before the hearing began. As a result, the court quashed the remand order.
Two other individuals, Ikramurrahman and Jinah Ismail, were also arrested in connection with the accident.
Photos from the crash scene revealed that the car bore a B-zone license plate, indicating it was not registered for use in the Malé area. B-zone vehicles are restricted to specific regions in the Maldives, including the southern and northern areas.
Footage from the accident, which has been widely shared on social media, shows the car's impact sending the victim flying across the pavement, with parts of his motorcycle, including the seat, breaking into pieces. Although the motorist survived, he sustained serious facial injuries.
In response to Vikram's release, Minister Ihsan stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Vikram is being re-arrested under a new court order. The Minister emphasized that strict action will be taken if any negligence is found during the investigation process.
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
