In Cherkessk, the capital of the Karachay-Cerkess Republic, a violent street incident unfolded when four unidentified men approached a judge and the deputy head of the KCR Treasury Ministry, assaulted them, and fled in a nearby vehicle. Local authorities responded by activating a citywide prevention plan, as reported by the Baza Telegram channel.
The confrontation occurred in the afternoon on February 20 as Judge Kazbek Salpagarov and Deputy Head Murat Elkanov were walking from a cafe. Witnesses say one assailant struck Salpagarov, prompting a rapid response that included a getaway, with four men armed with bats exiting a car and delivering blows before they escaped in their vehicle. The victims sustained injuries during the assault and the ensuing escape, with Salpagarov receiving head trauma and Elkanov transported for medical evaluation and care.
Official updates indicate that Salpagarov survived the attack with facial and head injuries, and Elkanov was reported to be in critical condition at a medical facility. Law enforcement authorities have launched a manhunt to identify and apprehend the suspects responsible for the assault, and ongoing inquiries are examining potential motives and connections to the targets involved in the incident.
According to the Telegram channel Mash Gor, the attackers fled in a dark-colored VAZ-2114, and authorities have publicly identified four individuals as suspects: Muradin Aybazov, Timurlan Karakotov, Murat Bogatyrev, and Arsen Shagarov. Investigators are pursuing corroborating evidence and reviewing surveillance footage to confirm these identifications and to determine whether the case involves a planned attack or a spontaneous street confrontation.
Meanwhile, authorities in the region emphasize the importance of public safety and community awareness, noting that the city’s prevention plan is aimed at reducing the risk of similar incidents, improving police visibility, and ensuring rapid medical response in future emergencies. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity promptly, and cooperate with investigators as the case developments unfold.
This incident follows other regional security concerns and underscores the ongoing need for coordinated law enforcement efforts, timely information sharing, and robust preventive measures to protect public officials and civilians alike. The case remains active as investigators continue to confirm identities, reconstruct the sequence of events, and pursue the suspects through judicial channels and criminal proceedings.