Disabled citizen experiences horror in Gaziosmanpaşa: Doused in gasoline and set on fire

The incident occurred on June 5 at approximately 23:30 in the Karayolları neighborhood. Allegedly, the phone of 38-year-old Ahmet Sanduvaç, who is hearing and speech-impaired, was stolen by 19-year-old Ö.A. Following the theft, Sanduvaç went to the police station to file a complaint.

After the complaint was filed, Ö.A. confronted Sanduvaç at a metro station on June 9.

After threatening him to withdraw the complaint, Ö.A. tricked Sanduvaç by saying, "Come with me, I will give you your phone," took him to a vacant lot, doused the disabled citizen in gasoline, set him on fire, and fled the scene. Bystanders who saw Sanduvaç burning poured water on him using buckets.

Ahmet Sanduvaç, who suffered burns over a large part of his body, arrived at his home half-naked. His shocked family took him to the Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital. Ahmet Sanduvaç was discharged after receiving treatment at the hospital for approximately one month.

It was learned that Ahmet Sanduvaç, who is continuing his treatment at home, may never be able to use his arms again. The suspect was apprehended and taken into custody by Gaziosmanpaşa District Police Department teams during the afternoon hours.

Meanwhile, security camera footage captured the moment Ahmet Sanduvaç arrived home half-naked after being set on fire. Footage also captured the moment the suspect's uncle threatened the Sanduvaç family.

"AN OFFICER SAID HE WOULDN'T DO IT"

Mehmet Nuri Sanduvaç, the father of the disabled citizen who was doused in gasoline and set on fire by the suspect who stole his phone, stated, "The incident started with the phone. The phone incident happened on June 5, before the holiday. Around 23:30, the person we call Ö.A. forcibly took the phone from his hand and left.

After the situation, Ahmet went to the police station. He explained the theft at the station, and they called me. They said, 'Could you come?' and I went. An officer said, 'Ö. wouldn't do this.' The boy's father, myself, Ahmet, and two police officers were there. This saddened me," he said.

"HE DOUSE AHMET IN GASOLINE"

Stating that the suspect doused his son in gasoline and set him on fire, father Sanduvaç said, "After the incident, he intercepted Ahmet at the metro exit. He bullied him, saying, 'Why did you report me? Withdraw your complaint.' Then he took him to the side, to a corner not visible to cameras.

He doused Ahmet in gasoline. How and where he obtained the gasoline is already a mystery. Concerned people and shopkeepers in the area poured buckets of cold water on him. After he was burned, we started receiving threats again.

His uncle came to the front of our building and used unspeakable words and engaged in inappropriate behavior toward the women and girls sitting there; he displayed inhumane behavior.

He threatened them, spat on them, used heavy language, and left. We don't understand if they are trying to intimidate us," he said.

"HE SPENT 22 DAYS IN INTENSIVE CARE"

Stating that his son remained in intensive care for 22 days, father Sanduvaç said, "There is the father, the uncle, and the suspect himself. It feels like this issue involves the whole family.

I don't know if I should call it a father-son gang or a group. They work in the mussel business.

He was 52 percent hearing impaired. Physically, he was a sharp, healthy young man. He has become a bit hunched, and there is fragility in his legs. He spent 22 days in the intensive care process," he said.