The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) announced last night that it has obtained significant information for its investigation into the case where a three-day-old infant was taken into state custody without the mother's consent.

As part of the investigation, the commission entered the Ministry of Social and Family Development yesterday with a search warrant.

Issued under Sections 20, 21, and 22 of the HRCM Act, the commission’s warrant authorized search powers effective from 9:00 AM yesterday through today.

HRCM member Ismail Habeeb told One Online that the commission visited the ministry yesterday to clarify details surrounding the case.

He noted that the ministry is cooperating fully with the commission and providing all requested information.

In a post on X late last night, HRCM stated that for the purpose of the investigation, it is actively obtaining necessary information and documentation from all relevant state bodies, the aggrieved party, and other individuals connected to the matter.

In this regard, HRCM noted that a senior investigative team has been visiting various locations, meeting with relevant institutions and individuals, and collecting essential evidence and documentation.

"Accordingly, a substantial amount of information required for the investigation was obtained today. The team’s work will continue tonight and tomorrow as well," HRCM said.

HRCM also urged all parties to refrain from any actions that could undermine the dignity of the child and the mother involved.

The issue came to light after the 25-year-old mother voiced her distress on social media, stating that her baby was taken away into state care while she was still hospitalized after giving birth. The mother stated that the state violated her rights by deeming her unfit to raise her child based on her physical disability and mental health condition.

The Gender Ministry previously stated that it acted strictly within legal bounds when taking the infant into state custody. The ministry maintained that a child is only separated from their family in situations where their safety and protection cannot be guaranteed within the home.

According to a letter sent to the family by the Child and Family Protection Agency, the reasons for taking the child—who was born out of wedlock—into state custody included the mother’s living environment, her mental health condition, and a physical impairment of her hand. The letter added that the absence of other family members to provide care raised further concerns regarding the child’s safety.