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A significant development has occurred in the high-profile murder case of Azamat Batanov, a well-known farmer in the North Kazakhstan region, as a new suspect has been added to the investigation.

The Incident Unfolds

The tragic event took place on the evening of October 31, 2025, in the village of Dokuchaevo, Timiryazev district. Initial reports circulating on social media suggested that a 22-year-old worker, allegedly intoxicated, confronted the 52-year-old head of 'Burbat' LLP, Azamat Batanov, demanding several months of unpaid wages. The narrative suggested the farmer retrieved a rifle to intimidate the worker, who then seized the weapon and fired, fatally wounding Batanov. However, further details revealed that the suspect arrived at the scene armed and fired the fatal shot. This individual had a prior history of threatening villagers with a firearm.

Court Proceedings and New Accusations

The case was heard at the Specialized Interdistrict Court for Criminal Cases of the North Kazakhstan Region, with a jury present. Two individuals faced charges: Vadim Orlov was accused of murder and attempted murder or causing grievous bodily harm, while Viktor Torgashov was charged with concealing a particularly grave crime.

Two Rifles, One Fatal Encounter

During the trial, it was established that on October 31, 2025, Orlov, Torgashov, other workers, and the farm's manager were celebrating. Around 10:00 PM, Orlov, intoxicated and armed with a rifle, reportedly went out to settle scores with individuals he felt had wronged him. Viktor Torgashov was with him in his vehicle.

Orlov's first stop was at the home of a fellow villager whom he claimed had bullied him in childhood. Court documents indicate Orlov struck the man with the rifle's butt and fired shots, but the victim managed to escape.

Following this, Orlov drove to farmer Batanov's residence to demand payment for his previous work at the farm. According to prosecutor Assem Kazbekova, Orlov exited the vehicle, took his rifle, and approached the door. At this point, the deceased, holding a smooth-bore rifle, fired a warning shot into the air for self-defense. Orlov then aimed his weapon at Batanov and fired once into his chest. Batanov collapsed. Orlov then took the deceased's rifle and fired a second, "control" shot to the head, resulting in Batanov's death at the scene.

The second defendant, Torgashov, was in the vehicle during the murder. Orlov allegedly handed him the rifle afterward and instructed him to hide it, which Torgashov did, failing to report the crime to law enforcement.

Conflicting Testimonies and Sentencing

Initially, Vadim Orlov partially admitted guilt, stating he did not intend to kill and only went to speak with the farmer. However, in his final court appearance, he completely denied the charges, claiming self-defense.

State prosecutor Assem Kazbekova requested 15 years imprisonment for Orlov and 4 years for Torgashov. On February 10, the Specialized Interdistrict Court for Criminal Cases of the North Kazakhstan Region, with the jury's involvement, delivered its verdict: Vadim Orlov was sentenced to 11 years in a medium-security facility, and Viktor Torgashov received a 2-year sentence in a minimum-security facility.

The Origin of the Weapon

The court paid close attention to how Orlov obtained the rifle used in the attack. He testified that he found the weapon in a wagon where the festival was being held, under a bed. "We were sitting, drinking, my phone fell out of my pocket. I bent down to pick it up and saw the weapon under the bed. After everyone left, I took that rifle and put it in my car. I didn't know it was loaded then..." Orlov stated.

During the investigation, it was determined that the rifle belonged to the head of the farm where Orlov had worked. The farmer also testified as a witness in court. He stated that he found the rifle about a week before the tragedy in a wooded area near the village of Timiryazevo. "I found it in the forest while I was planting crops. I didn't check if it was loaded, I didn't look. I threw the rifle in the wagon, under the bed. I wanted to take it, but I didn't have time due to work," the witness said.

During pre-trial investigations, he paid a fine for illegally acquiring and storing an unregistered smooth-bore firearm. "Confiscation of the smooth-bore hunting rifle, which will be destroyed, and recovery to the state budget in the amount of 78,640 tenge in the form of an administrative fine," reads a ruling from the Shal Akyn Interdistrict Court of the North Kazakhstan Region dated January 5, 2026. The farmer's testimony also appeared to contradict itself during the trial when he testified as a witness in the Orlov and Torgashov case. Initially, he claimed to know nothing about the murder. Later, when answering the jury's questions, he admitted that the defendant Torgashov had informed him about the murder. "We were sitting in the wagon. Vitka Torgashov ran up and said that Vadim Orlov had killed Azamat Batanov. We were confused, anxiety began, and we all left. My wife immediately took me home," the witness said.

Criminal Investigation Launched

However, it has become known that the police have initiated a criminal case against him for failing to report a crime. The police explained that as part of the investigation into the murder in Dokuchaevo village, Timiryazev district, North Kazakhstan region, the circumstances of the use of an unregistered smooth-bore rifle were clarified. "During the investigation, it was established that the weapon was in the possession of some villagers, who were brought to administrative responsibility. Materials on this fact were separated into a separate proceeding. Pre-trial investigation is underway against this person for failure to report a crime. The criminal case is at the investigation stage, and a procedural decision will be made based on its results," the press service of the Department of Police of the North Kazakhstan Region informed a Tengrinews.kz correspondent.

According to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, failure to report a particularly grave crime is punishable by a fine of up to 6,000 monthly calculation indices, or correctional labor of the same amount, or restriction of freedom for up to six years, or imprisonment for the same term.

This information was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.