The Hypothesis of Murder by SAVAK
The death of Gholamreza Takhti, Iran’s celebrated wrestling champion and national hero, has been shrouded in controversy since the day it was announced. While the official account cites suicide, an alternative hypothesis emerged almost immediately, implicating SAVAK, the Shah’s feared secret police, in his death. Over the years, this theory has fueled debate, with many questioning the veracity of the suicide narrative and suggesting political motives behind his demise.
Early Suspicion
At the time of Takhti’s death, the satirical weekly publication Tawfiq commented on the event with an air of irony, stating simply: “Takhti committed suicide!” This skeptical tone reflected the widespread disbelief among the public. Many found it difficult to reconcile the image of a strong, resilient national hero with the act of suicide.
Jalal Al-Ahmad, an influential writer and intellectual, played a significant role in planting the seeds of suspicion regarding Takhti’s death. On the very day of the tragedy, Al-Ahmad questioned the plausibility of suicide, writing: “Out of all that crowd, no one thought, even for a moment, about the possibility of suicide. After all, you are a hero and have compensated for the individual and social absences of others by your presence, and then you commit suicide?” His words resonated deeply, sparking a wave of conjecture about SAVAK’s involvement.