Brawl Erupts at Aragatsotn Regional Administration

Today, reports surfaced of a brawl at the Aragatsotn Regional Administration. Ashtarak's Mayor and de facto regional governor, Tovmas Shahverdyan, allegedly assaulted Hakob Stepanyan, the head of the regional administration's urban planning department, according to Hraparak.am.

The dispute began when Shahverdyan sent a letter to the specific department of the municipal administration regarding obtaining a construction permit for a relative. After receiving a firm response, he visited the regional administration to demand an explanation from Stepanyan. Eyewitnesses indicate that a heated exchange escalated into a physical fight, with regional administration sources stating that Shahverdyan struck Stepanyan on the head with a paper puncher, prompting other administration employees to come to his aid.

Stepanyan appeared confused when responding to our questions yesterday, assuring us that no incident had occurred. When we inquired whether he would return to work tomorrow and continue his duties, he took a brief pause before responding affirmatively.

Our sources indicated that the incident would not have legal repercussions, as Stepanyan had not filed a report, and he had been warned not to discuss the matter with the media.