Families Demand Answers as Bodies of Two Men Killed in Chabahar Clash Remain Unreturned

DOZAAP (ZAHEDAN) Following a violent attack of Iranian forces in Bolangi village, Chabahar, families are still awaiting the return of the bodies of Shahab Jadgal and Amir Ramesh, who were killed by the Iranian military a week ago.

According to reports, despite persistent follow-ups by the families, the Intelligence Office in Zahedan has obstructed the delivery of the bodies, insisting on a controversial document that labels the deceased as members of the armed group “Jaish al-Adl.”

The Baloch Activists Campaign added that the situation escalated on the evening of October 2, 2024, when military forces pursued a vehicle that had stopped in front of Shahab Jadgal’s shop.

Eyewitnesses reported that the occupants of the vehicle engaged in a confrontation with the military, which responded by opening fire on the shop with light and semi-heavy weapons. This reckless action resulted in the deaths of Jadgal and Ramesh, while Shoaib and Hamid Jadgal, who were across the street, sustained serious injuries.

As of today 9 October 2024, the bodies of Jadgal and Ramesh have yet to be handed over to their grieving families for burial.

The governor of Chabahar reportedly told the families of the victims that the military operation had been carried out without prior coordination, leading to the tragic loss of life.

However, the Intelligence Office has imposed conditions for the release of the bodies, demanding the families sign a statement falsely implicating the deceased in armed activities—a demand that the families have steadfastly refused.

The situation for the injured brothers, Shoaib and Hamid Jadgal, is dire. Shoaib, who was shot in the hand, was transferred to a hospital in Zahedan, where doctors indicated that there was a significant risk of amputation. Hamid, who suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen, remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Imam Ali Hospital in Chabahar under special medical supervision.

Both injured victims are currently under military protection in the hospital, raising concerns about their safety and the potential for further intimidation.

In a video message today, a Baloch female activist has condemned the military’s actions calling the continued detention of the bodies a clear violation of human rights by Iran. She urged the IRGC and military organisations to act swiftly to return the bodies to their families, emphasising the urgency of the situation.

Local council members have reportedly faced threats from authorities, warning them not to intervene or assist in the release of the bodies.

This atmosphere of fear highlights the ongoing tensions in the region, where families affected by state violence are often left in the dark and struggle against bureaucratic and military obstacles to seek justice and closure.

The incident has sparked outrage among human rights activists, who are calling for accountability and transparency in the actions of military forces in Iranian Occupied Balochistan.