Translated with AI
In Tajikistan's Khatlon region, police detained two women suspected of fortune-telling and witchcraft. According to law enforcement, they posed as "healers" and, for monetary compensation, provided pseudo-medical and occult services to citizens, using various ritual objects. This was reported by the Khatlon Regional Department of Internal Affairs.
The agency notes that there has been an increase in recent cases of individuals abusing citizens' trust, masquerading as religious beliefs and traditions. According to police, such actions mislead gullible people and are used solely for financial gain.
During operational and preventive measures, police officers identified and detained two women in the city of Nurek and the Nosir-Khusravsky district.
Those detained were Elboeva Momagul Odinaevna, born in 1962, a resident of the village of Dukoni in the city of Nurek, and Igamnazarova Zhumagul Boltaevna, born in 1967, a resident of the village of Chorbog in the Kubodiyon district.
According to police, the women gained the trust of citizens through deception and various tricks. They received visitors at their homes, posing as "healers" and "fortune tellers," although, as law enforcement officials note, they had no specialized knowledge or relevant qualifications.
During a search of the detainees' homes, police officers discovered and seized items that, according to the agency, were used in magical and fortune-telling rituals. These included thread and needles, soap, candles, harmala (spand), rice, barley, stones, knives, and bird's nests.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Elboeva Momagul used soil from birds' nests to "cure" a sore throat. Other items used in similar rituals were also confiscated from her.
The police emphasized that superstition and prejudice can deprive a person of a prosperous life, and urged citizens not to fall victim to such fraudulent schemes.
Administrative reports were filed against both women under Article 482 of the Code of the Republic of Tajikistan on Administrative Offenses. The collected materials have been submitted to the court for a decision.
