RASC News Agency: Residents of Shahidan district in Badakhshan province have raised serious concerns about the conduct of Mahboobullah, the Taliban-appointed mayor, accusing him of theft, torture, and extortion. Asadullah (a pseudonym), a local resident, revealed to RASC that Mahboobullah, the mayor of Shahidan district, has been systematically exploiting the local population under various pretenses. He allegedly forces people to give money and, with the support of the Taliban-appointed district governor, has been collecting funds through coercion. According to Asadullah, Mahboobullah has used the extorted money for personal indulgences, including funding multiple marriages and a trip to Mecca for Hajj.
Since the Taliban’s takeover, Mahboobullah has reportedly extorted money from both locals and shopkeepers on a regular basis, continuing his actions without any regard for accountability. Local residents have lodged numerous complaints about his behavior, citing his abusive and unlawful conduct. In addition, residents of Sarghelan have also complained that Mahboobullah, with the support of Mawlawi Habibullah, the district governor, has been collecting money from the public for personal gain. Sources from the region claim that Mahboobullah used the funds to construct a two-story house, purchase vehicles, and even marry three times.
According to one source, Mahboobullah has also used the extorted money to finance the wedding of his 15-year-old son and his own Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. In the most recent disturbing development, it is alleged that during Ramadan, while his wife had just given birth, Mahboobullah forcibly took the newborn from her arms and divorced her. There are also reports that no official body or authority has intervened to address the widespread complaints. Local residents state that Taliban affiliates continue to use their weapons and influence to interfere in the lives of the people, further compounding the challenges faced by the community.
