Uzbek news outlet Kun.uz has published a shocking story of physical and psychological abuse suffered by Gulirano Kosimova, a 34-year-old school principal from the Furqat district of the Fergana region. She became the victim of a violent police operation tied to a personal conflict between two local officials — the head of the district police, Akmal Khodjayev, and the head of the district tax inspection, Kurbonali Abdurakhmonov.
A trap in a feud between officials
On April 17, 2025, Kosimova went to the home of Abdurakhmonov, an old acquaintance, to ask for financial help for her husband’s medical treatment after a car accident. According to Kosimova’s video interview with Kun.uz, that day police officers suddenly burst into the house, brutally beat both her and Abdurakhmonov, tore off their clothes, and filmed them naked. Kosimova was beaten particularly severely as police demanded that she sign a false statement accusing Abdurakhmonov of rape. “One police officer struck me in the stomach, and I was unable to breathe for 15-20 seconds. When one police officer hit me, I flew a meter, and another grabbed me by the hair and dragged me back to the first police officer for more blows. In between beatings, they turned off the camera and asked if I was ready to write a statement”, Gulirano said in the interview.
“They wanted me to write that Abdurakhmonov forced me into sexual relations,” she said. “But nothing like that happened. I refused to slander anyone.”
When she resisted, officers threatened to tell her husband that she had been caught with another man. Despite continuous beatings and humiliation, she refused to comply.
A staged operation
According to Kun.uz, the plan was to fabricate a criminal case against Abdurakhmonov on charges of sexual assault, with Kosimova as the “main victim.” To create evidence, police staged the raid, assaulted the two, and filmed them.
Documents later revealed multiple inconsistencies. According to police protocols, Kosimova was forcibly brought to the police station at 16:58 following a call by a citizen reporting an alleged offense. However, the call to the police was recorded at 17.21, after Kosimova had already been detained. Kosimova recalled that, “They had a ready-made script — I was supposed to write that the tax chief forced me into sex. Their goal was to have him fired and arrested. But I refused.”
Surveillance footage exposes the truth
Surveillance camera footage later proved decisive. The video recordings showed that Kosimova and Abdurakhmonov did not engage in any sexual activity; instead, they were subjected to violence and humiliation by police officers. These videos became key evidence in the investigation and confirmed that the officers’ claims were fabricated.
Psychological trauma and suicide attempt
After the ordeal, Kosimova fell into deep depression, haunted by the voices of the officers who had insulted and beaten her. In despair, she attempted suicide by taking a large dose of pills. Her relatives found her in time and took her to the hospital, where she received treatment. “After surviving, I decided to fight for justice,” she said. “They trampled on my dignity, and I cannot stay silent.”
Criminal case against police chief
Further details that have since come to light reveal the involvement of officials higher up the chain of command. A number of those involved — including deputy police chief Jasur Rasulov and several operatives — remain in their positions to this day. According to Kosimova, Rasulov offered her up to $50,000 through intermediaries to withdraw her complaint. When she refused, she was threatened that her children might suffer.
Among those who beat and humiliated her, Kosimova named Furqat ditrict police officers Sokhib, Tokhir, Yusuf, Azam, and Dilshod, as well as inspectors from the juvenile and anti-terrorism departments who participated in filming the incident.
Official response
Authorities later confirmed that Khodjayev had been dismissed and charged. His deputy Rasulov also faces investigation. The head of the tax inspection was reinstated. Both Khodjayev and Rasulov were initially detained but later released on bail of 15 million soums (about $1,200).
The Fergana Regional Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to Kun.uz that the investigation continues and the case has been forwarded to court.
