One day after authorities reported that a 27-year-old mother had thrown herself and her four young children into the Surkhob River in Farkhor district of Khatlon province in a reported act of revenge, the woman’s husband and father have spoken out, rejecting the official explanation.

According to the Emergencies Committee’s Office in Kulob region of Khatlon province, the incident occurred during the night of June 29 to 30, when Madina Halimova, reportedly devastated by her husband’s decision to take a second wife, allegedly jumped into the river with her children.  Halimova survived.  All four children — Latofat (5), Zainab (3), Yosamin (2), and two-month-old Muhammad — perished.

The tragedy has stirred public outrage and sorrow throughout Tajik society.

Family speaks out: no second wife, signs of mental illness

In an interview with Asia-Plus, Qudratullo Sharifov, Halimova’s husband, refuted claims that he had taken another wife.  He insisted his marriage was harmonious and full of mutual understanding.

“On the night of the incident, I had gone to my aunt’s home to offer condolences — she had just passed away.  I returned around 11 pm.  Two of the kids were already asleep.  We had dinner with my wife and the other two children, played a little, and went to bed around 11:30 pm,” he recalled.

The next morning, he awoke to an empty house.  “At first, I thought Madina might have gone to my parents’ house next door.  But the children’s shoes were still there.  That’s when I sensed something was wrong,” he said.

While searching the house, Sharifov discovered a note left by his wife: “Father of Latofat, forgive me.  I could not be a good wife to you.  I could not serve you.”

Panicked, he alerted both his family and Halimova’s relatives, then contacted police and filed a missing person’s report.

“While I was at the station, my brother called to say they had found her.  We went to the scene with officers. In their presence, Madina said two strong men came during the night and forced her to get up and throw the children into the river.  She said, ‘They made me do it. I took the children and dropped them in the river.’”

Sharifov believes his wife’s calm, emotionless tone while describing the event is a sign of serious mental illness.

“She’s had episodes before — at night she would say disturbing things. A few years ago, her brother also died by suicide,” he added.

Father backs son-in-law’s claims

Halimova’s father, Saifullo Halimov, echoed these sentiments in a phone conversation with Asia-Plus, confirming that his daughter had lived well with her husband and denying rumors of a second marriage.

“He had no reason to take another wife,” he said, declining to comment further. He also noted he had not yet spoken with his daughter since the tragedy.

Search for two children continues

So far, only the bodies of Zainab and Muhammad have been recovered.  Search efforts continue for Latofat and Yosamin.

Halimova has been detained and is facing charges under Article 104 of Tajikistan’s Criminal Code — murder.

Background and reaction

The first reports of the incident emerged on social media, accompanied by video clips showing authorities searching the river.  Later, the Emergencies Committee confirmed the event and provided the motive as revenge linked to polygamy.  The Interior Ministry confirmed the deaths but refused to share further details.

As the community reels from the shock, the case has sparked broader conversations about mental health, domestic strain, and the responsibilities of state institutions to protect vulnerable families.  This tragic case continues to unfold.