A major scandal has erupted in Kazakhstan's social media over the search for a missing 15-year-old girl in Astana. A local self-proclaimed 'psychic' sparked outrage by publicly claiming the teenager was dead while family and volunteers still hoped to find her alive, reports website infohub.kz.
During the active search for 15-year-old Aruzhan Utegen, who went missing in Astana on July 23, 2026, the Instagram account yasnovidenie_astana reposted a missing person flyer with horrific details. The self-proclaimed medium claimed the girl was no longer alive.
'Unfortunately, I do not see this girl alive… A guy she knew took her. There was rape… Under the influence of illegal substances. She is lying somewhere outside the city, not indoors, outdoors… She will be found in the coming days. My condolences to the family and loved ones,' the 'psychic' wrote on social media.
When concerned users commented that such 'predictions' were unacceptable and traumatic for the family, the account owner simply blocked those who criticized her.
Later, police refuted the grim claims. The Nura district police department in Astana reported that the minor had been found and was safe.
'The minor, previously reported missing, has been located and found. Currently, her life and health are not in danger. Police officers express gratitude to all citizens who showed concern. We ask that you refrain from further disseminating false information,' the Nura district police informed.
After the official police statement, hundreds of outraged comments gathered under the department's post. Kazakhs are widely calling on law enforcement to hold the owner of the 'psychic' account administratively or criminally liable for spreading deliberately false information and sowing panic. The author soon deleted her post and social media page.