Indian Citizen Goes Missing in Maldives: Lex Dejure Advocates & Legal Consultants Actively Pursuing Investigation

An Indian citizen from Aligarh (UP), Aftab, who was working in the Maldives at Ifuru Island Resort, has been missing since January 27, 2025. Lex Dejure Advocates & Legal Consultants, a law firm based in Delhi-NCR led by Mr. Zeeshan Khan, Advocate, is actively tracking the ongoing investigation into his disappearance.
The last contact Aftab’s family had with him was around 03:45 PM IST (04:20 PM MLE). His brother was informed via telephone that Aftab had gone snorkeling and had gone missing thereafter. No further information was provided.
On January 29, the family reached out to Lex Dejure Advocates & Legal Consultants, after which Mr. Zeeshan Khan attempted to contact the resort, but no response was received. Subsequently, a complaint was registered on the online MADAD portal, which was communicated to the Maldives High Commission in Delhi, but no response was provided.
Zeeshan personally traveled to the Maldives to oversee the progress of the investigation. During his visit, he told that he met with officials from the Indian High Commission in Malé, local investigating authorities, and the management of the concerned resort. He also visited the site of the incident to assess the circumstances firsthand.
Zeeshan flagged several flaws in the investigation, including non-compliance with standard operating procedures and protocols of the Ministry of External Affairs, failure to promptly inform the Indian Embassy, and the lack of appointment of an official by the Indian High Commission to be part of the investigation.
Mr. Zeeshan Khan said that he is in constant communication with both the Government of India and the Government of the Maldives to ensure a transparent and impartial inquiry. The legal team is closely monitoring the actions of the Maldives Police Service, Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), and the Coast Guard to ensure due process is followed and that the victim’s family’s rights are upheld.
Zeeshan told that Lex Dejure Advocates & Legal Consultants has taken Aftab’s case pro bono, ensuring that the victim’s family does not bear any financial burden in their pursuit of truth and justice. Zeeshan said that they are advocating for adequate compensation, legal accountability, and the enforcement of international labor laws protecting Indian workers employed in the Maldives.
Zeeshan highlighted that more than 22,000 Indians are working in Maldivian resorts and raised concerns that international labor laws and International Labour Organization (ILO) protocols are being ignored, leading to severe violations. He also expressed concerns about the lack of proactive engagement from the Indian High Commission, leaving Indian workers vulnerable. He told that they are considering approaching the appropriate judicial forum for holding the High Commission responsible for the immigrants and labour community of India working abroad.
It was urged to the authorities to expedite the investigation and provide a clear account of the events leading to Aftab’s disappearance. Zeeshan exhorted to stand in solidarity with Aftab’s family and continue relentless efforts until justice is served.