Gülistan Doku investigation: Former Governor Tuncay Sonel, detained in Elazığ, brought to Erzurum

Operations were carried out in 7 provinces on suspicion of murder as part of the investigation into Gülistan Doku, a 2nd-year student in the Child Development Department at Munzur University, who has been missing since January 5, 2020, and 13 suspects were detained.

MINISTRY LAUNCHED AN INVESTIGATION, POLICE DETAINED

An investigation was launched into the former Governor of Tunceli and Chief Civil Inspector Tuncay Sonel—whose son, Mustafa Türkay Sonel, and bodyguard, police officer Ş.E., were detained as part of the investigation—upon the instructions of Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi regarding the allegations, and he was subsequently suspended from duty. Tuncay Sonel, who was in Elazığ, was detained by teams from the Elazığ Provincial Police Department. The Tunceli Chief Public Prosecutor's Office had written to the Erzurum Chief Public Prosecutor's Office for the necessary actions to be taken and executed regarding former Tunceli Governor Tuncay Sonel under Article 281/1-2 as part of the Gülistan Doku investigation. In this context, Tuncay Sonel, who was detained in Elazığ, was later brought to Erzurum by road in the morning hours. Meanwhile, Obstetrician Dr. Çağdaş Özdemir, who was the Chief Physician of the State Hospital at the time, was also detained in Bursa as part of the investigation.

ERZURUM CHIEF PUBLIC PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE ISSUED A STATEMENT

In a statement regarding the matter, the Erzurum Chief Public Prosecutor's Office said, "Based on the letter dated 17.04.2026 from the Tunceli Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, an investigation has been immediately initiated by our Chief Public Prosecutor's Office against former Tunceli Governor Tuncay Sonel for a personal crime in accordance with Article 161/6 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CMK) No. 5271. A memorandum has been written to the Ministry of Interior to ensure the necessary administrative actions are taken and executed. Within the scope of the investigation, instructions have been sent to the relevant Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices and law enforcement units for procedures regarding evidence collection. The suspect, Tuncay Sonel, was apprehended in the province of Elazığ and was detained to be brought to the province of Erzurum. The investigation, initiated to uncover the material truth, is being conducted effectively, multi-dimensionally, and meticulously, and all evidence and indications obtained within the scope of the investigation are being evaluated and examined with great care and sensitivity."

FORMER GOVERNOR'S INVESTIGATION WILL BE IN ERZURUM

The Erzurum Chief Public Prosecutor's Office will conduct the investigation regarding Tuncay Sonel in accordance with relevant legislation. The sections concerning Tuncay Sonel in the investigation file in Tunceli were separated and sent to the Erzurum Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. The statement of former Tunceli Governor Tuncay Sonel will also be taken in Erzurum in his capacity as a "suspect." Tuncay Sonel is expected to be brought to the Erzurum Courthouse following his processing at the police station.

News Source: İHA