Cold case from 2000 reopened in Dushanbe with arrest of suspect

A man suspected of seriously injuring a fellow student 25 years ago has been arrested in Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s law enforcement authorities reported.

According to the investigation, the incident occurred in 2000 at the Tajik National University. Ilyos Toliyev, then a law student, brought a pistol to class to show off to his peers. While handling the weapon carelessly, he accidentally fired a shot, hitting fellow student Sitora Kendzhayeva, who was seated in front of him.

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She sustained serious injuries and continues to suffer long-term effects from the gunshot wound.

Following the shooting, Toliyev fled the country and was placed on the international wanted list. Authorities have not disclosed where he was hiding or the circumstances of his recent arrest.

The breakthrough came through the efforts of a special task force comprised of prosecutors and police officers working to solve cold cases.

In a video confession released by police, Toliyev admitted to mishandling the weapon and claimed he panicked and threw the gun into the Dushanbinka River.

At the time, he was charged under several articles of Tajikistan’s Penal Code, including attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms.

A preliminary investigation into the case is now underway.