Who murdered Kobra Rezai in Iran and Why? Gruesome killing of Afghan migrant girl exposes guard’s deadly cover-up

Kobra Rezaei, a 26-year-old Afghan worker in Tehran, disappeared mysteriously. Weeks later, her remains were found. Investigations revealed betrayal, theft, and murder—uncovering the shocking truth behind her tragic death.

Kobra Rezaei, also known as Shaghayegh Rezaei, a 26-year-old Afghan migrant worker, went missing around April 8, 2025, after leaving her workplace—a vacuum cleaner manufacturing plant in Pakdasht Industrial Zone, Iran. Despite repeated calls, her family received no response, prompting them to report her disappearance to the police two days later.

Weeks later, in early May, parts of a dismembered and chemically damaged body—specifically a hand and a foot—were discovered in a public trash bin near Pakdasht. Due to acid damage, immediate identification was impossible. Forensic authorities later confirmed, through DNA testing, that the remains belonged to Kobra.

Police investigations, along with statements from Kobra’s family, pointed to Ali Khaleqi, a 32-year-old married security guard at the factory. Kobra had reportedly discovered small-scale thefts at the workplace and suspected Khaleqi’s involvement. She had allegedly confronted him, leading to increasing tensions.

On the day of the incident, Kobra had stayed late for accounting duties. Upon exiting the factory, she encountered Khaleqi, who allegedly again expressed unwanted romantic interest. Kobra firmly rejected him, stating she was engaged and working only to save for her dowry. She warned him that she might report his harassment and theft to his wife.

Fearing exposure, Khaleqi allegedly killed Kobra during a sudden altercation. He attempted to destroy the evidence using acid, but failed to completely dissolve the body. He then disposed of some body parts in a trash bin. Forensic data and mobile phone tracking eventually led investigators to Khaleqi’s residence.

Text messages retrieved by police revealed threats from Khaleqi and his fear of being exposed. After initial denial, he confessed to the murder during interrogation. Items belonging to Kobra were also recovered from his home. A second suspect was briefly detained but later released.

Khaleqi has been officially charged and transferred to prison. This tragic case has sparked concern among migrant communities and rights groups, who are demanding justice and better protection for Afghan women workers in Iran’s industrial zones. Legal proceedings are ongoing, with public attention closely following each development.

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