Erzi Nature Reserve employees report details of conflict on border with Chechnya

On May 21, the incident with the beating of four employees of the Erzi Nature Reserve took place on the territory of the Sunzha District of Chechnya, employees of the Erzi Nature Reserve told the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent. They preferred to remain anonymous.

According to one of the victims, on May 21, four employees of the Erzi Nature Reserve went from the left to the right bank of the Fortanga River, which separates Ingushetia and Chechnya. Thus, they entered the Chechen side. In the forest, they met employees of the Chechen part of the Erzi Nature Reserve, who requested them to leave the territory of the park. Four employees of the Erzi Nature Reserve obeyed, but when they reached the Fortanga River, they stumbled upon several men in civilian clothes. The later beat them and threw them into the river.

The victims returned to the territory of Ingushetia and went to a hospital, where they were diagnosed with bruises and hematomas. One of the beaten victims got brain concussion, an employee of the Erzi Nature Reserve reported.

Another employee of the Erzi Nature Reserve informed the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent that all four his colleagues who fell victim to the beating received medical assistance at the Sunzha Regional Hospital. Three were sent home at once, while their fourth colleague was hospitalized. He remains at the hospital.

While being at the hospital, the victims registered the signs of beating on their bodies. Later, they filed complaints to the police. The victims addressed the Sunzha ROVD (District Interior Division) of Ingushetia, the employee of the Erzi Nature Reserve said. Since the incident took place on the territory of Chechnya, the investigation into the case will be carried out by the Chechen police, that means, the complaints filed to the Ingush police will be forwarded to Chechnya.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on May 26, 2021 at 04:54 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.