Rojin Kabaiş's father speaks out: 'I will not stop until the killers are found'

Rojin Kabaiş, a 21-year-old student at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, went missing after leaving her Credit and Dormitories Institution (KYK) dormitory on September 27, 2024. Following an 18-day search, the young student's lifeless body was discovered on October 15 at the Molla Kasım shore of Lake Van. Despite months having passed since the incident, the investigation into the case, which is recorded as a suspicious death, continues amidst ongoing uncertainties.

Father Nizamettin Kabaiş's search for answers grows stronger every day. The family, accompanied by mother Aygül Kabaiş, representatives from the Diyarbakır and Van Bar Associations, and family lawyers, met with Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek in Ankara to hold official discussions aimed at ensuring progress in the ongoing investigation.

In a statement following the meeting, Father Kabaiş expressed satisfaction that Minister Gürlek had listened to them, while highlighting key points that need to be resolved, particularly the detail regarding a “white car”: “We were told, ‘11 vehicles were identified and their owners were interviewed.’ However, we want the vehicle mentioned by an individual to be investigated, along with DNA and phone signal analysis for those people.”

While the family demands that all evidence be evaluated to clarify the incident, they believe there was negligence on the part of the university administration. Father Kabaiş stated that there were no wire fences or cameras around the campus before the incident, and that these measures were only implemented after Rojin's death.

ALLEGATIONS OF NEGLIGENCE BY UNIVERSITY AND DORMITORY ON THE AGENDA

The Kabaiş family points to both the university and the dormitory regarding accountability. In his statement, Nizamettin Kabaiş said, “I entrusted my daughter to that dormitory and university. I believed she would be safe. However, the necessary precautions were not taken. The Rector claimed that cameras could not be installed. Both the university and the dormitory are responsible.”

Father Kabaiş also expressed that the removal of certain camera systems and other physical modifications on the campus grounds following Rojin's murder have raised suspicions. “We learned that a pole and the camera there were removed afterward. This situation brings the possibility of a cover-up to mind,” he said.

Pointing out that security vulnerabilities endanger the safety of young women, Kabaiş also drew parallels to the Gülistan Doku case. He added that the incident has resonated with the public and that allegations of criminal gangs have surfaced among the people.

"IT IS CLEAR THIS WAS NOT A SUICIDE; THERE IS DNA EVIDENCE"

One of the most significant findings in the investigation into Rojin Kabaiş's death is the discovery of DNA samples belonging to two different men. Nizamettin Kabaiş stated, "The possibility of suicide is constantly being put forward. I know my daughter, and as her family, we absolutely do not accept such a thing. I do not find it right to keep the possibility of suicide on the agenda in a case file where the DNA of two different men has been identified."

Kabaiş also expressed that on the day of the incident, Rojin's headscarf was found only after a tractor belonging to the university had gone to the area, which he said has increased suspicions. He also noted that while progress has been made step-by-step in the investigation, some evidence has been handled in an incomplete or contradictory manner.

Stating that the fact that Rojin's body could not be located for 18 days and was only found later despite searches in various areas has strengthened his doubts, father Nizamettin Kabaiş asked, "Searches were conducted repeatedly for 18 days; how could she not be found despite such intensive efforts? Is it normal for her to appear 24 kilometers away?"

DNA EVIDENCE PROCESS AND LEGAL INITIATIVES CONTINUE

In the ongoing investigation into the incident, not only the family but also the Van Bar Association and the Diyarbakır Bar Association are closely following the process. Van Bar Association President Sinan Özaraz stated that discussions are being carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Justice and that Minister Akın Gürlek is contributing to the collection of evidence and the uncovering of the material truth.

Özaraz explained that as part of the technical examinations, efforts are being made to contact the Chinese manufacturer to unlock the phone Rojin used, and that correspondence has been conducted with the Ministry of Interior on this matter. He also announced that DNA studies are being carried out meticulously. It was shared that DNA testing has been performed on approximately 400 people so far, and there are plans to expand this number to cover 2,500 people.

Özaraz further added, "Special teams have been assigned to ensure that all kinds of technical evidence are collected completely, and new samples and examinations will be conducted next week. Investigations are being carried out regarding many people whom Rojin may have been in contact with or where she was found."

It has been learned that legal proceedings have also been initiated against the dormitory management and those responsible in conjunction with the investigation. The Van Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an inquiry into public officials following oral and written applications. The initial request for an investigation, which was rejected by the Van Governor's Office, was found to be unlawful by the regional administrative court following appeals, and an investigation has since been opened. Özaraz stated that a detailed examination regarding the dormitory staff and officials would also be completed in the coming period.

Nizamettin Kabaiş, emphasizing once again that he will not give up his struggle, stated, "I will seek justice for my daughter to the very end. I will not let this go until the killers are found. My only request from the state is for the individuals behind the identified DNA profiles to be revealed. This is my right as a father and my demand for justice."

News Source: 12punto