Sivas investigation continues into missing 11-month-old baby

An investigation is ongoing in the Divriği district of Sivas, Turkey, regarding the disappearance of 11-month-old Büşra Balıkçı, who went missing from a tent in the İncedere Plateau on September 10.

The case has seen multiple conflicting statements from the mother, Elif Balıkçı. She initially claimed the child was sold for money, then alleged her husband, Yusuf Balıkçı, murdered the infant and left her in a rocky area. Following these claims, six people were arrested, including the parents and several relatives, on charges including intentional homicide and concealing evidence.

A new development emerged after the victim's siblings, who are currently under state protection, testified that a man named Mehmet K. took the baby in a vehicle to Diyarbakır to settle a debt. Based on this testimony and a photo identification, Mehmet K. was apprehended in Diyarbakır. However, he denied the allegations, and after an investigation into HTS records showed no criminal evidence, he was released under judicial control.

Search efforts for the infant continue in the plateau region using AI-supported drones, tracking dogs, and search teams.