Khatlon regional prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into a New Year’s incident that took place at a restaurant in the administrative center of Jaihoun district in the evening of December 31. 

Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service, known locally as Radio Ozodi, says that following a quarrel with the head physician of the central district hospital Homidjon Abdulhamidzoda, Jaihoun police station chief Qurbonali Poulod Barfi has arranged a shooting at a local restaurant. 

Citing a source within the law enforcement authorities, Radio Ozodi reported on January 5 that at first, Qurbonali Poulod Barfi put a service pistol to the forehead of Homidjon Abdulhamidzoda and then shot twice in the air.

On January 3, by interior minister’s order Qurbonali Poulod Barfi was relieved of his post of chief of the Jaihoun police station.

Isroil Ghoibzoda was appointed acting chief of the police station in Jaihoun district.  

The Interior Ministry has not yet commented on this incident.

Meanwhile, the Khatlon prosecutor’s office has confirmed the information of the New Year’s incident in Jaihoun district.  

“The incident took place at one of local restaurants.  Chairman of local court and chief of the State Committee for National Security (CSNS)’s office in Jaihoun district also attended the New Year's party, and at the request of those present, intervened in the conflict and took the pistol from the police station chief,” an eyewitness, who wanted to remain unnamed, told Radio Ozodi.  

Radio Ozodi’s sources say the local prosecutor's office learned about the New Year’s incident only on January 3.