In an unusually open interview with the BBC, Mr Markin also claimed that no-one was above the law in Russia.

BBC: Russian journalists demand action over assaults

Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin said Mr Serdyukov would be questioned in the probe "if there is a reason" for doing so.

BBC: Russian Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov fired by Putin

This report quoted Russian Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin as saying "there were no mass water releases or overflow over the dam" from the Neberdzhayevskoye Reservoir.

CNN: July 9, 2012 -- Updated 0150 GMT (0950 HKT)