Search continues in Gülistan Doku case; suspect arrested in US

Search efforts are ongoing in Tunceli, Turkey, as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Gülistan Doku, a second-year Child Development student at Munzur University, who has been missing since January 5, 2020. The investigation has led to the detention of 15 suspects, with 12 subsequently arrested and three placed under judicial control.

A key development in the case is the apprehension of Umut Altaş, a fugitive suspect who fled the country. An Interpol red notice was issued for Altaş, and a joint operation involving the U.S. Marshals Service, Interpol Washington, and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York office led to his arrest in the U.S. on May 22. Altaş is currently awaiting extradition back to Turkey.

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He stated that he did not know the exact location of the body.

Before his arrest, Altaş had provided statements regarding Doku's whereabouts, although he claimed not to know the exact location of the body. He suggested that searches should focus on areas around Munzur University, the Aktuluk neighborhood, and a landfill near the water treatment facility in the Bayraktepe area. In response, teams from the Tunceli Provincial Gendarmerie Command, including Search and Rescue (JAK) and Criminal Investigation (JASAT) teams, along with elements from the Central Gendarmerie Commando Tabur, have initiated search operations in the locations indicated by Altaş and based on narrowed-down cell tower data.

Supported by underground imaging devices, the search teams are meticulously examining suspicious areas. The infrared signals from these devices provide a three-dimensional view of the subsurface, enabling detailed analysis of potential sites. The search activities are currently continuing in the area between Rostar and Dinar streams, as well as in various other parts of the city.

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Searches should be conducted in the vicinity of Munzur University and its surroundings, Aktuluk neighborhood, and the landfill area next to the water treatment facility in the Bayraktepe region.