In just two weeks, ten people from three families have been killed in the city of Konibodom. The perpetrators have spared no one, not even children.
While the police have yet to apprehend the culprits, the regional governor’s attempts to reassure residents have been unsuccessful.
The first case
The first incident occurred on the night of December 8 in the village of Shurobqala, where unknown assailants killed six members of one family, including four children.
The second case
The second incident happened a week later, on the night of December 15, when four residents of the village of Hisorak were killed.
Authorities have remained silent, fueling panic among the local population.
Asia-Plus’s reporter visited Hisorak village on December 17 to gather more details.
Deserted streets
Hisorak’s previously bustling streets are now empty, with police officers being the only visible presence in some areas.
Residents are visibly shaken and unwilling to talk to strangers, fearing both the killings and potential repercussions from authorities for speaking to journalists.
Some families have temporarily left their homes for safer areas, while others spend nights in groups around fires to keep watch.
Authorities recommend relocation
The home of Gaybullo Majidov and his wife Zarnigor, who were killed on the night of December 15, is a two-story building at the end of the street. It was built a few years ago but remains unfinished.
A neighbor, Zarifa Maqsoudova, told Asia-Plus that Zarnigor had been on edge since the December 8 killings and often warned neighbors: “Keep your phones with you. If the same thing happens to us, we’ll call you.”
Describing Zarnigor as a kind and friendly woman, Zarifa added: “They were peaceful and hardworking people who wished harm to no one. Zarnigor was a housewife, and Ghaybullo owned a construction materials shop. This summer, due to the rising number of murders, Ghaybullo chose not to leave for labor migration to stay with his family.”
Zarifa, now gripped with fear, said: “I have two children and two grandchildren. I’m worried not just for myself but for my family and the entire town.”
After the killings, authorities advised residents to relocate to safer areas, such as staying with relatives.
Relatives await bodies for burial
At the home of Ghaybullo’s parents, located 3 kilometers away, relatives have gathered to prepare for the funerals. They are in deep shock and mourning.
The bodies of the victims are still in Khujand for forensic examination, and it is unclear when they will be returned for burial.
Doubts about justice and night patrols around fires
Residents of Hisorak, particularly the victims’ relatives, are hesitant to speak to journalists. Many fear repercussions, stating: “You record our words and leave, but then the authorities interrogate and harass us.”
Some Konibodom residents doubt the guilt of the two people arrested for previous murders in the city, asking: “If they are truly the murderers, why do family killings continue?”
One anonymous resident said: “If the real killers were caught, there wouldn’t have been ten more deaths in two weeks.”
Radio Ozodi reported last week that two individuals had been sentenced for involvement in these crimes. Marat Sattorov received a life sentence, while Sharifjon Shoyev was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
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