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A court in the North Kazakhstan region has issued a verdict in the case of the murder of well-known farmer Azamat Batanov. The incident, which occurred in the village of Dokuchaevo in the Timiryazev district last autumn, has concluded with significant sentences for two individuals involved.

The Fatal Confrontation

The case centered around a fatal shooting that took place on October 31, 2023. According to the prosecution, 22-year-old Vadim Orlov, reportedly intoxicated, approached 52-year-old Azamat Batanov, the head of 'Burbat' LLP, and fatally shot him. Orlov was charged with murder and threatening to cause death or grievous bodily harm, while Viktor Torgashov faced charges of concealing a particularly serious crime.

Events Leading to the Shooting

The indictment detailed that Orlov, armed with a firearm, left his home around 10:00 PM with the intention of settling scores with individuals he believed had wronged him. Torgashov was accompanying him. Orlov's initial target was a villager he felt had wronged him in childhood. He reportedly struck the individual with the gun and fired shots, but the intended victim managed to escape.

Following this, Orlov proceeded to farmer Batanov's residence. The prosecution stated Orlov's motive was to demand payment for past work. During the confrontation, Orlov claimed Batanov fired a warning shot, prompting Orlov to shoot Batanov in the chest. He then fired a second shot to the head, which proved fatal.

Conflicting Accounts and Defense

Orlov initially admitted partial guilt, asserting he had no intention of killing Batanov and only wanted to talk. In his final court appearance, he fully denied the charges, claiming his actions were in self-defense. He stated he had worked for 'Burbat' LLP for four months without official registration and had not received his owed salary of 1.3 million tenge.

Orlov recounted meeting Batanov on the road and inquiring about his payment. When Batanov allegedly responded dismissively, Orlov threatened to file a complaint, to which Batanov reportedly replied he couldn't prove anything. Orlov stated he later found a firearm under a bed at a company gathering and took it for his own safety before going to speak with Batanov about the debt.

The Verdict

The court, with a jury present, delivered its verdict on February 10. Vadim Orlov was sentenced to 11 years in prison, to be served in a medium-security facility. Viktor Torgashov received a 2-year sentence in a minimum-security institution for concealing the crime.

Additionally, Orlov was ordered to pay 2.5 million tenge each to Batanov's spouse, two daughters, and parents as compensation for moral damages. The victim's family considers the sentences too lenient and has not yet decided whether to appeal the verdict.