Prominent Sunni cleric Molavi Mohammad Anvar Rigi was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the southeastern Iranian town of Mirjaveh on Monday. Iranian state media reported the incident, citing local authorities, while officials launched an investigation to identify those responsible.
The killing took place in Mirjaveh, a border town in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province. Molavi Mohammad Anvar Rigi served as the local Sunni Friday prayer leader and was a well-known religious figure in the area.
Authorities Launch Investigation
Officials confirmed that security agencies have begun investigating the attack. However, they have not identified the gunmen or announced any arrests.
Authorities also urged residents to remain calm while the investigation continues. According to officials, the attackers intended to undermine security and fuel sectarian tensions in the province.
Furthermore, they emphasized that law enforcement agencies are working to determine the motive behind the killing and bring those responsible to justice.
Sistan-Baluchistan Faces Ongoing Security Challenges
Sistan-Baluchistan is one of Iran’s least developed provinces and is home to a large Sunni Baluch population. The region has experienced repeated security incidents over the years.
Authorities have previously blamed armed Islamist and ethnic militant groups for attacks targeting security personnel and individuals linked to the government.
Meanwhile, officials have not connected Monday’s killing to any specific group. Therefore, the circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear.
The death of Molavi Mohammad Anvar Rigi has drawn attention to the security situation in the province. As investigations continue, authorities say they remain focused on maintaining stability and preventing further violence in the region.
