Vogue cover model, Raudha Athif allegedly murdered for refusing to wear Islamic clothing

Vogue cover model and native of the Maldives, Raudha Athif was found hanged near the end of March 29 , 2017 at a hostel in Bangladesh . Her death, which was previously ruled a suicide is now under investigation after her brother spoke out, claiming that she was murdered by extremists. Photo: Rauda Athif Backup Instagram less Vogue cover model and native of the Maldives, Raudha Athif was found hanged near the end of March 29 , 2017 at a hostel in Bangladesh . Her death, which was previously ruled a suicide is now under investigation ... more Photo: Instagram Photo: Instagram Image 1 of / 30 Caption Close Vogue cover model, Raudha Athif allegedly murdered for refusing to wear Islamic clothing 1 / 30 Back to Gallery

Vogue cover model and native of the Maldives, Raudha Athif was found hanged March 29 , 2017 at a hostel in Bangladesh. Her death, which was previously ruled a suicide, is now under investigation after her brother spoke out, claiming that she was murdered.

According The Sun, Athif, 21, used her platform as a public figure to "defend victims bullied over religious controversies."

"Her style of clothing was branded as 'immodest' and 'un-Islamic' even though she adhered to the dress code in the college premises by wearing a veil covering her face," her brother, Rayyan Athif, said. "She was criticized for wearing jeans and was repeatedly told she couldn't wear it at the Muslim college."

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When the autopsy was conducted, Athif allegedly had marks on her neck that were dismissed as birthmarks, but her family says that's not the case. Her family also claims that the week before she died, Athif claimed someone had tried to drug her drink.

"There have been a series of murders in Bangladesh which have been staged to look like suicides and Islamic extremists have been suspected to be behind these atrocities," said Rayyan.

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Athif was featured on the cover of Vogue India in October 2016 after becoming wildly popular as the "Maldivian girl with aqua blue eyes."

She was studying to become a doctor at the Islami Bank Medical College in Bangladesh and was in her second year.

In an interview with Vogue, she said that modeling was a hobby. Her true passion was to become a doctor so she could help people.

She had more that 30,000 followers on Instagram, but her page was taken down after her death. In its place, a backup account was set up so friends, fans and family would have a place to leave their condolences.

Take a look through the gallery above to see some of the beautiful photos shared by her friends and family on the account.