14-year-old boy dies after Maldives President denied Indian plane for rescue
New Delhi : A 14-year-old boy in the Maldives died on Saturday, sparking outrage and accusations against President Mohammed Muizzu after reports emerged that he denied permission for an Indian air ambulance that could have potentially saved his life. The incident has further strained already tense diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives.
The boy, battling a brain tumor and a recent stroke, was desperately in need of medical evacuation from the remote island of Gaaf Alif Villingili to the capital, Male, where advanced healthcare facilities are available. His family reportedly contacted the country's aviation authorities on Wednesday night after the stroke, but their pleas for an airlift went unanswered for hours. Finally, on Thursday morning, they were informed that permission for an Indian Dornier aircraft, readily available and typically used for humanitarian purposes, had been denied by President Mohammed Muizzu.
Local media and social media platforms are ablaze with anger and grief, accusing the President of putting political considerations above the life of a child. Critics point to the recent diplomatic friction between India and the Maldives, fueled by issues like China's growing influence in the region, as the potential motive behind the decision.
The Maldivian government has yet to offer any official explanation for denying the Indian aircraft, stating only that they were "exploring all possible options" for the boy's evacuation. However, this has done little to appease the enraged public.
Aasandha Company Limited, the company responsible for medical evacuations, issued a statement indicating that they had initiated the evacuation process promptly upon receiving the request. However, they cited a last-minute "technical glitch", leading to a delay.
"It is with deep regret that we acknowledge the unfortunate passing of the patient involved in the emergency medical evacuation incident from GA Vilingili on January 18, 2024. The entire management and staff of Aasandha Company extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them, seeking solace in Allah (SWT) for the departed's eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus," the company said in a statement.
