The dismembered body of Kubra Rezai, a young Afghan migrant woman, has been discovered in the home of a 32-year-old Iranian man in Pakdasht, southeast of Tehran, Ensaf News reported.
According to the report, the suspect, identified by the initials A.Kh, allegedly mutilated Rezai’s body and attempted to destroy evidence by dissolving it in acid. The man, reportedly employed as a security guard at a home appliances factory and said to be married, initially denied involvement during police questioning but later confessed when confronted with evidence.
Investigators believe the murder may have been triggered by the suspect’s emotional reaction upon learning of Rezai’s recent engagement. Authorities have charged him with premeditated murder, desecration of a corpse, and destruction of evidence.
Disappearance and Investigation
Rezai, also known as Shaghayegh Rezai, was reported missing by her family nearly 50 days before her body was recovered. After weeks with no contact, the family was alerted by police when unidentifiable human remains were discovered in the Pakdasht area. While initially uncertain, the family later provided DNA samples, which confirmed the remains belonged to Rezai.
Other parts of her body had earlier been found at a rubbish dump in Pishva, also in Tehran Province. The investigation led authorities to one of Rezai’s co-workers , a man previously suspected by the family due to unwanted advances toward her. Mobile phone data placed Rezai’s phone near the suspect’s residence at the time of her disappearance.
Following a court-issued warrant, police searched the suspect’s home and reportedly uncovered her dismembered remains, partially dissolved in acid in what investigators believe was an attempt to conceal the crime.
Funeral Held Under Surveillance
Rezai’s funeral took place on Monday, 9 June, under heavy security presence. Attendees told Ensaf News that filming and interviews were strictly prohibited. A relative of the victim said the family has been pressured not to speak to the media and discouraged from seeking legal retribution.
One attendee noted that the presence of Rezai’s sister in full facial covering was seen by some as a symbol of the stress and intimidation the family is experiencing.
The murder has drawn public outrage, particularly among Afghan migrant communities and human rights advocates. It comes amid a growing crackdown on Afghan migrants in Iran, including mass deportations and anti-migrant rhetoric in state media.
Ensaf News referred to the killing as a “gruesome” crime, and rights activists have urged Iranian authorities to ensure justice and protect the dignity and safety of migrants, particularly women.
