Three of the four suspects in Tajikistan’s Konibodom ‘night killings’ case have now been indicted on additional charges, including hooliganism and rape. Solekhdjon Khudojberdiyev, Ahadjon Tukhtaev, and Manuchehr Odilov, who were previously charged with murder, have reportedly confessed to these crimes during the investigation. However, questions remain about the circumstances under which these confessions were obtained.
Limited Official Statements
Authorities have been tight-lipped regarding the case. A brief statement from the Prosecutor General’s Office stated: “The crime has been solved… An investigation is underway into the murders that took place in the city of Konibodom, Sughd Oblast.” However, this vague comment has raised more questions than it answered.
Suspect Profiles
- Solekhdjon Khudojberdiyev (b. 1998): Hailing from the village of Gulbog, Khudojberdiyev had a prior conviction for rape. A sports enthusiast, he was known locally for his boxing, weightlifting, and power juggling performances.
- Ahadjon Tukhtaev (b. 1997): A butcher by trade from the same village as Khudojberdiyev, Tukhtaev also had a criminal record for sex crimes.
- Manuchehr Odilov (b. 1996): From Khamroboev Jamoat, Odilov shared a similar criminal background. Reports suggest he became acquainted with Khudojberdiyev and Tukhtaev while in prison.
- Bakhtiyor Ravshanov (b. 1988): A shoemaker and builder from the village of Sanjidzor, Ravshanov is Khudojberdiyev’s cousin. He faces murder charges for one of the killings in May.
Case Background
The Konibodom region in Sughd Oblast has endured a series of brutal killings. Between late March and May 2024, 13 individuals – ranging from children to the elderly – were murdered in their homes. The victims, ethnic Tajiks and Kyrgyz, lived near the border with Kyrgyzstan. These crimes, committed in different parts of the city, terrorized residents before the suspects were apprehended and the killings temporarily ceased.
However, the violence resurfaced in December. On December 9, six people were killed, followed by four more murders on December 16. The crimes prompted swift action, and on December 22, the Prosecutor General’s Office announced the detention of four suspects.
The investigation remains under the close scrutiny of Tajikistan’s top leadership. The Prosecutor General is expected to provide a comprehensive update during the final press conference, shedding light on the motives and details of these tragic events.
