Investigation into Alleged Rape of Teen by Official Reopened in Western Kazakhstan

Authorities in West Kazakhstan Region have reopened a criminal investigation into the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl by a local official. The decision was announced by Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Sanzhar Adilov during a briefing at the Mazhilis, the lower house of parliament.

Adilov stated that the regional prosecutor's office supported the move to overturn the previous procedural decision to terminate the case. "We saw the publications and are in contact with the regional prosecutor's office," he said. "The procedural decision to terminate [the case] has been canceled. We initiated this cancellation, which is supported by the regional prosecutor's office. Now, additional arguments from the victim's side will be fully verified."

When journalists inquired about potential consequences for police officers who had released the suspect, Adilov responded that any internal disciplinary measures would depend on the outcome of the pre-trial investigation. "Based on the results of the investigation, we will make a decision on conducting an official inquiry. At present, it is necessary to await the results of the pre-trial investigation," he clarified.

The case involves allegations against a 68-year-old official accused of luring an underage girl to his home under false pretenses and committing violent acts against her. The victim's father previously claimed that after filing a report, authorities detained but then quickly released the suspect. He also alleged that police were not actively pursuing the investigation.

Earlier statements from law enforcement suggested that sexual contact had occurred with mutual consent, citing alleged correspondence between the girl and the man as evidence. Police also claimed at that time that "the victim and her mother refuse to make any claims against the suspect."