Malé, Maldives – Maldives Police arrested two individuals and dispersed a youth-led protest in Malé City on Thursday night, as public unrest continues over the investigation into the rooftop fall of 21-year-old Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed.

Those arrested include Abdullah Mahzoom Majidh, a former deputy minister and member of the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), and Aishath Shiman Ahmed of The Democrats Party. Mahzoom was previously suspended and later dismissed over derogatory remarks made against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On Thursday night, protesters blocked a main road in the capital, playing loud music and engaging in games such as table tennis and caroms in the middle of the street. Despite repeated police warnings, the protesters refused to disperse, causing significant traffic congestion.

Police eventually moved in to clear the area and arrested Mahzoom and Shiman, who were reportedly leading the protest.

The demonstration is part of a growing youth movement demanding justice and transparency in the investigation into Yumnu’s fall from a nine-storey residential building on April 18. The main suspect, Raudh Ahmed Zilal, has been arrested, while travel bans have been imposed on eight others connected to the case.

Amid mounting public pressure and accusations of a cover-up, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has established a special Presidential Commission to oversee the investigation.

The protests reflect rising frustration among young people over the pace and transparency of the case, which continues to draw national attention.