DUSHANBE, June 18, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- Ex-Interior Minister Mahmadnazar Solehov committed suicide by shooting himself yesterday evening in his house in Dushanbe, according to the Ministry of Interior (MoI).

The source at a MoI noted that the Prosecutor-General’s Office yesterday issued arrest warrant for Mahmadnazar Solehov.  However, he refrained from saying what charges were brought against the ex-minister.

A special group comprising officers from the MoI and Prosecutor-General’s Office has been set up to investigate the case.

Today morning, the body of Mahmadnazar Solehov was taken to the town of Sarband in Khatlon province, where he will be buried.

We will recall that Mahmadnazar Solehov was relieved of his post of Minister of Interiors in January this year.  Rahmon announced the sacking of Solehov at the annual session of the National Security Council in Dushanbe on January 29 and replaced him with Sughd province police chief Abdurahim Qahhorov.