Death after neck cracking! Fake therapist arrested

In the investigation into the death of 42-year-old Berat Topay, who lost his life after undergoing cupping and neck cracking procedures at a home in Beyoğlu, Istanbul, where he had gone for back and neck pain, the suspect Şenol Karataş has been arrested.

Following the incident, Karataş was detained by Kasımpaşa Police Station teams and was sent to prison by judicial authorities on charges of violating Law No. 1219 and "causing death by negligence." The statement given to the police by Topay's brother, Sinan Topay, has been included in the investigation file.

BROTHER DESCRIBES THE MOMENTS

In his statement, Sinan Topay stated that they had known the suspect for a long time and that they went to Karataş's home with his brother on the evening of May 21, 2026. Topay explained that his brother wanted to have the procedure done due to back and neck pain.

According to the statement, after massaging Berat Topay at home, Karataş performed a neck cracking procedure. Sinan Topay reported that after this procedure, his brother said he felt unwell and his condition deteriorated shortly thereafter.

Sinan Topay stated that he called medical teams when his brother became ill, and that when the teams arrived, Berat Topay was unconscious. His brother, who said that Topay was taken to the hospital by ambulance, stated that doctors at the hospital reported that his heart had stopped, that they intervened, and that he was subsequently intubated.

Brother Topay also stated in his testimony that he did not think there was any intentional act. Saying that Karataş performed similar procedures to those he had done before, Topay noted that he knew the suspect had a certificate for these procedures.

Within the scope of the investigation, it is alleged that Karataş performed procedures such as cupping, hijama, massage, and neck cracking. It was learned that the investigation is continuing in line with the statements included in the file and the judicial process.