The bodies of two inmates who died on February 2 at Hulhumalé Prison have been transported to India for independent autopsies as police investigate the circumstances of their deaths.

Ibrahim Suhail (53, Dhafthar No: DR439) and Hassan Niyaz (45, Dhiggaagasdhoshuge, S. Hithadhoo) passed away in separate hospitals that day. 

Niyaz, serving a life sentence finalized just two days earlier, experienced a medical emergency at Hulhumalé Prison and passed away while receiving medical attention at Hulhumalé Hospital.

Suhail, who suffered a stroke last year, had been transferred to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) a week earlier due to deteriorating health and subsequently developed pneumonia, according to the Maldives Correctional Service. 

Police confirmed the bodies were flown out on Wednesday to ascertain precise causes of death.