The Interior Ministry of Tajikistan has reported the arrest of a 40-year-old man from Tursunzoda, who is suspected of intentionally causing severe harm and killing his 15-year-old son. According to the Ministry, the incident occurred on July 26, 2025, after the father suspected his son of stealing money. The boy had previously stolen 800 somonis in May and 600 somonis in July.
To force a confession, the man used physical force to place his son in a Tico car, drove him to a remote area in the Navobod area of Tursunzoda, and tied one end of a 2-meter wire to the boy’s leg and the other end to the car. He then dragged the boy for about 100 meters. The teenager died from his injuries at home.
An investigation has been launched under Article 110 (3) of Tajikistan’s Criminal Code. The names of the father and son have not been released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
However, Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service, known locally as Radio Ozodi, reports that the deceased boy was Khisrav Odinayev, and the father was named Nazar Odinayev.
According to a source familiar with the situation, the incident occurred three days ago, and the video that caused public outrage was filmed by the father himself. The source added that a few days prior, the father had beaten the boy for using naswai (snuff tobacco). The next day, the boy stole 600 somonis and fled to the capital to his aunt’s house. After a few days, the boy was located and brought home by his father, who then dragged him by the legs, filmed the interrogation, and questioned him about the stolen money and the use of snuff. The boy claimed to have spent the money but denied using naswai.
After the abuse, the father returned the boy home and left him in the basement. The boy’s mother and other children were informed, but the father did not allow them to approach. The following morning, the father discovered that his son was unwell and sought help from a local doctor, but the doctor confirmed the boy's death.
To conceal the crime, the father and mother attempted to wash the body and transport it for burial to Baljovon districts in Khatlon province, but they were stopped by police en route.
The man is currently in custody.
