Zahedan: bodies of Mohammad Rigi Sanjarani and Aziz Rigi handed over after 13 days on security conditions

The bodies of Mohammad Rigi Sanjarani, 22, and Aziz Rigi, 23, known as "Lalegol", two Baluch compatriots killed by plainclothes security forces' gunfire on the evening of Sunday 4 October 2026 in the Falaki Kuzeh neighbourhood of Zahedan, were handed over to their families on the night of Saturday 17 October with security conditions attached, after 13 days without news and persistent follow-up by the families.

According to local sources whose account was published by Haalvsh, the Baluchistan human rights outlet, the two young men had raised their hands and declared that they were surrendering, yet were shot anyway, and after they fell to the ground they were shot again from close range. Those who saw the bodies reported bullet wounds and marks resembling blows from a heavy object on their bodies. State media called the incident a "security operation", an account that contradicts what local witnesses say.

Security conditions for handing over the bodies

For nearly ten days the families had no news of their sons' fate. Then security agents contacted them, told them the two young men had been killed, said the bodies were in the morgue, and demanded money for their release. According to Haalvsh, the conditions for handing over the bodies were as follows: the families have no right to file a complaint or pursue legal action in Tehran, the burial must take place outside the city and at night, and no public announcement or publication of photos and videos is permitted.

Aziz Rigi was buried that same night, 17 October, in the Cheshmeh Ziarat cemetery in Zahedan, and Mohammad Rigi Sanjarani was buried a day later, on Sunday 18 October, once his grave was ready.

Damage to shops and a threat to a shopkeeper

The bullets also struck nearby shops. According to local sources, a fabric shop suffered about 550 million toman in damage, and its owner was threatened with prison when he asked for compensation by people linked to the security bodies.

Holding the bodies of the dead hostage and extracting money and pledges from families is a method the Islamic Republic has used repeatedly in Sistan and Baluchestan. The incident comes as Amir Darzadehpour, a Baluch prisoner, was executed in Zahedan prison on 17 October.

The families of the two young Baluch men were able to recover their sons' bodies only by pledging silence, a night burial and giving up any complaint.