In Shchuchinsk, no animal remains were found when a manhole was opened, contrary to what a local resident had previously claimed. The reason for the investigation was a video showing an unusually coloured liquid with a strong smell.
WHAT HAPPENED AND WHY THE INVESTIGATION BEGAN
The grounds for the response was a post in a local Instagram page, which reported possible signs of water contamination and the presence of biological impurities.
As reported by the akimat, a local resident had previously claimed that a horse carcass was allegedly in one of the sewer manholes. After the information was shared again, a site visit and opening of the manhole were organised.
"The claimant filed a lawsuit for damages, but the claim was withdrawn during the court proceedings," noted Ashat Mukhamedzhanov, the akim of Shchuchinsk city.
According to him, no animal remains were found when the manhole was dug up.
A pipe was damaged during the work. It later emerged that the manhole belongs to a private enterprise — the company Kazbeef.
The company stated that the pipe damage occurred outside the territory of the meat processing plant and was linked to the actions of unknown individuals. According to them, repair work was being carried out at the treatment facilities at the time of the incident, and a rupture caused the contents of the pipes to be released.
The company also reported that no one had contacted them regarding compensation for damages related to the death of the horse.
Representatives of the enterprise emphasised that they comply with environmental and sanitary-veterinary standards.
According to the akim, the materials have been sent to the relevant authorities. The question of response measures regarding GKP na PKhV "Burabay Su Arnasy" is also being considered.
HOW ECOLOGISTS ASSESS THE SITUATION
The Department of Ecology for Akmola Region reported that an investigation has been launched into the possible violation of requirements for the disposal of biological waste.
"Direct burial in the ground, especially near water bodies, is strictly prohibited because it creates a risk of water contamination and the spread of infections," the department stated.
The department clarified that matters relating to the disposal of biological waste and conducting analyses fall under the jurisdiction of the akimats, the sanitary-epidemiological service, and the veterinary service.
The materials on the case have been forwarded to the police. No final conclusions were available at the time of publication.
WHAT MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN NOW
After the manhole was opened, a local technical fault was recorded. Currently, workers from GKP na PKhV "Burabay Su Arnasy" are carrying out restoration work.
Furthermore, a water sampling for laboratory analysis is scheduled for 17 April 2026. The analysis is intended to determine the composition of the liquid and the presence or absence of biological impurities, including blood.
THE CLAIMANT'S POSITION
Shchuchinsk resident Diana Nurmaganbetova puts forward her own version of events. According to her, her horse fell into an open manhole and died, and the remains could have been there for a long time — in her statements, she mentions a period of up to a year.
On this basis, she speculates about possible environmental risks.
At the same time, experts note that over such a long period, organic remains would undergo significant decomposition under natural conditions, which calls into question the described scenario.