Law enforcement authorities have shut down two criminal groups in the Bostanlyk district of Tashkent province following a violent conflict over control of beaches at the Charvak Reservoir. A total of 13 people have been detained, the outlet Zamon.uz reported, citing the provincial department of the State Security Service (DXX).
Reportedly, a conflict broke out between the two groups over attempts to forcibly seize control of beaches around the Charvak Reservoir, unlawfully take them over, and expand their spheres of influence.
Members of the first group beat members of the second, inflicting bodily harm. Four members of the first group were subsequently taken into custody through formal proceedings, with a criminal case opened against them under Article 277 of the Criminal Code (Criminal damage). They were placed in pretrial detention.
However, investigators say that on July 16, members of the second group sought revenge, attacking a remaining member of the first group — who was still at large — with brass knuckles and a baseball bat. The victim sustained serious bodily injuries.
During operational measures on July 19, three active members of the second group were detained, along with six other individuals connected to the incident — bringing the total number detained in this episode to nine.
Investigators also determined that one member of the second group had been spreading material promoting a religious-extremist ideology via Instagram. This episode is likewise being processed through the appropriate legal channels.
The investigation is ongoing. DXX has urged the public not to take part in criminal group activity, to avoid violence, and to resolve conflicts through lawful means.
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