West Sumatra Police Stop Investigation Of Death Case Afif Maulana, Declared Dead As A Result Of Falling

Photo of the late Afif Maulana (Ist)

The West Sumatra Police (West Sumatra) decided to stop investigating the case of Afif Maulana's death, a 16-year-old teenager, whose body was found under the Kuranji Bridge, Padang City, on June 9, 2024.

This decision was taken after a series of investigative steps were carried out. Based on the results of the autopsy and exumation involving a team of forensic doctors, it is confirmed that the victim died due to falling from a height, and not due to abuse by police officers, as suspected by the family.

Previously, Afif's family asked for an announcement after finding a number of bruises on the victim's body. However, the results of the investigation concluded that the injuries were in accordance with the impact of falling from a height.

West Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Suharyono stated that this case was terminated through a Letter of Termination of Investigation (SP2 Lidik) because no criminal elements were found.

The title of a case involving the victim's family and a team of experts has also been carried out to ensure transparency.

"We have conducted a case title with the victim's family and related parties. However, if new evidence or novum is found in the future, the family is welcome to report to investigators to reopen this case," said Inspector General of Police Suharyono.

Although the criminal investigation was stopped, Inspector General Suharyono emphasized that 18 West Sumatra Police personnel who violated the code of ethics in handling the disbandment of brawls at the Kuranji Bridge in June 2024 had undergone an ethics trial. Most of them have been found guilty of disciplinary violations.

Afif Maulana's death had attracted public attention in West Sumatra. The junior high school student was found dead after being reported missing hours earlier. Although the criminal case was declared complete, the family still hopes that justice will continue to be upheld if new evidence is found.