The Kazakh National Guard has dispersed hundreds of people involved in clashes near a mall in the capital, Astana.
Authorities said the violence erupted on June 17 when the Artyom Trade Center's security personnel prevented an unemployed 30-year-old handicapped woman from begging inside or outside the building. ()
Police said 18 people were detained.
No casualties were reported.
The beggar, whose name was not disclosed, filed a complaint against the trade center, accusing its employees of abuse of authority.
The trade center's security personnel also filed a complaint against "hooligans."