Three Arrested in Alleged Attempted Murder Case Against 'Bottle Melo'

Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the explosion recorded on the Yerevan-Sevan highway, as part of the initiated criminal case. This information was provided to NEWS.am by the press service of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia.

Earlier, the Investigative Committee had reported that preliminary data indicated that on August 2, 2019, around 12:30 PM, an individual who allegedly committed a crime had previously placed explosive materials considered as military ammunition under the bridge located at the 15th kilometer of the Yerevan-Sevan highway. This explosive was detonated during the passage of M. Manukyan’s 'Range Rover' and the accompanying 'Nissan' and 'Patrol' vehicles; however, the crime was not completed due to circumstances beyond the control of the perpetrator.

A criminal case has been initiated under the second part of Article 34-104, clause 6, and the first part of Article 235 of the RA Criminal Code. Four individuals who were in the vehicles have been recognized as victims.

Immediate investigative actions have been taken, including on-site examinations, collection of samples of the explosion's remnants, and witness interrogations. For the purpose of clarifying significant circumstances related to the criminal case, forensic explosive technical, forensic expert, forensic trace, and forensic genetic examinations have been appointed.

According to information, the Range Rover belongs to Melik Manukyan, a former member of the National Assembly known by the nickname 'Bottle Melo'. At the time of the explosion, the vehicles were traveling over the bridge. There were no casualties or injuries reported. It is noteworthy that a factory producing glass containers owned by 'Bottle Melo' is located in that area.