Gülistan Doku murder investigation sees new arrests and digital evidence against former Tunceli governor
The disappearance of university student Gülistan Doku on 5 January 2020 in Tunceli has been re‑opened as an organized‑crime murder probe. Prosecutors in Erzurum and Tunceli coordinated simultaneous raids in Ankara, Elazığ, Malatya, Istanbul and other provinces, detaining a total of 15‑17 suspects including former Tunceli governor Tuncay Sonel, his wife Handan Sonel, his son Mustafa Turkay Sonel, former security guard Şükrü Eroğlu, ex‑police officer Gökhan Ertok and several doctors and security personnel.
Technical analysis of Sonel’s phone and other digital material revealed 30‑plus messages that prosecutors say constitute crimes such as evidence destruction, illegal data acquisition, deprivation of liberty, assault, theft and computer‑system sabotage. Money‑transfer records show 10 000 TL and later 20 000 TL moved from security‑guard accounts to Ertok. New evidence also includes a recorded interview in which an informant alleges that Sonel and his son had a relationship with the victim and describes a “blood‑like” odor in the suspect’s vehicle on the day of the disappearance.
The investigation continues with further arrests in Ankara and ongoing forensic review of CCTV, phone records and financial transactions.