A criminal case has been opened for negligent performance of duty and violation of navigation rules following the deaths of servicemen during exercises in the Mangystau Region, Deputy Interior Minister Sanzhar Adilov told a government commission meeting, according to infohub.kz.
The case involves Part 2 of Article 453 ("Negligent performance of duty resulting in grave consequences") and Article 465 ("Violation of navigation rules") of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. An interagency operational-investigative team has been formed, a range of investigative and operational-search measures is underway, specialists have been brought in, and necessary forensic examinations have been ordered.
Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Qanat Bozumbaev instructed that all circumstances of the incident be established fully as soon as possible and that measures be taken against those responsible for the tragedy.
Special attention at the meeting was given to the families of the deceased servicemen. The deputy prime minister emphasized that the state will provide them with the necessary social and material support.
"In addition to the material assistance provided by law, many requests are coming in from those wishing to help. Members of the Qazaqstan Halq Keńesi have stated they will provide material assistance to the families of the deceased, and one of them has already allocated 25 million tenge to each family of the deceased serviceman. A number of major business representatives have also expressed a desire to provide material assistance," the deputy prime minister noted.
Qanat Bozumbaev instructed the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, together with the akimat of the Mangystau Region, to ensure transparency and control over the distribution of all funds directed to the families of the deceased, noting that assistance must be provided on a targeted basis and in full.
Deputy Health Minister Manas Ramazanov reported that the condition of the serviceman taken to a medical facility after the incident is stable. There is no threat to his life, and he is receiving the necessary medical care.
The meeting was attended by and heard reports from deputy ministers of internal affairs, emergency situations, labor and social protection of the population, health, and transport, as well as the deputy director of the Border Service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the chief military prosecutor, and the akim of the Mangystau Region, Nurdaulet Kilybai. The work of the government commission continues.
The tragedy on the Caspian Sea occurred on September 24 during exercises. In bad weather, 17 servicemen were swept out to sea. Twelve died, three were rescued, and the search for two others continues.
Kazakhstan's Prosecutor General's Office opened a criminal case into the deaths of the servicemen. Earlier, the country's Ministry of Defense published the full list of names of the deceased military personnel.
President Qasym-Jomart Toqaev instructed that assistance be provided to the families of the deceased and declared September 25 a day of national mourning.