Former governor's wife arrested in Gülistan Doku murder probe

Handan Sonel, the wife of former Tunceli Governor Tuncay Sonel, has been arrested as part of a renewed investigation into the 2020 disappearance of Gülistan Doku. The case, initially a missing person inquiry, has now been reclassified as a homicide investigation following a review of evidence by the Tunceli Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. This development comes after a special team meticulously examined approximately 700 hours of security camera footage and other records.

The investigation has led to the arrest of numerous individuals. Among those detained are Mustafa Türkay Sonel, the son of the former governor, and Erdoğan Elaldı, identified as having had the last contact with Doku. Both have been arrested on charges of intentional homicide. Other suspects, including Doku's ex-boyfriend Zeinal Abarakov, his parents, and the parents of another fugitive suspect, Umut Altaş, have been arrested on charges of concealing or destroying evidence.

Further arrests include former police officers and hospital staff. Çağdaş Özdemir, the former chief physician of Tunceli State Hospital, was arrested for allegedly deleting hospital records related to Doku. The former governor himself, Tuncay Sonel, is also in custody, facing charges including destroying evidence, tampering with computer systems, and unlawfully disclosing personal data.

Search efforts for Gülistan Doku's body are ongoing, utilizing specialized equipment. The investigation has expanded across multiple cities, with simultaneous operations conducted in Elazığ, Malatya, Ankara, Istanbul, and Tunceli. The reclassification and extensive arrests signal a significant escalation in the pursuit of justice for Gülistan Doku.