# Infant disappearance investigation in Sivas, Turkey > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/infant-disappearance-investigation-in-sivas-turkey > Updated: 2026-09-20T12:33:00.000Z. Sources: 53. Developments: 5. Authorities in Sivas, Turkey, continue to search for 11-month-old Büşra Balıkçı, who disappeared from a tent in the Divriği district’s İncedere Plateau on September 10. Search operations involving AFAD, gendarmerie commandos, AI-supported drones, and tracking dogs have covered approximately 3 square kilometers, but no traces of the infant have been found. The investigation has been marked by conflicting testimonies from the mother, Elif Balıkçı. She initially suggested the child was kidnapped or sold, but later alleged that the father, Yusuf Balıkçı, murdered the infant and buried her in a nearby area. While the father denies these accusations, the investigation has led to the detention of 12 suspects and the arrest of six individuals, including the parents and several relatives, on charges such as intentional homicide and concealing evidence. A recent development involving the victim’s siblings—who are currently under state protection—alleged that a man named Mehmet K. took the baby to Diyarbakır in a vehicle to settle a debt. Although Mehmet K. was apprehended following a photo identification, he denied the allegations. After an investigation into HTS records yielded no criminal evidence, he was released under judicial control. The Divriği Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has imposed a publication ban on the case. ## Claims - Six people have been taken into custody. (disputed by 14 sources) - The number of people detained in connection with the investigation has risen to nine. (disputed by 3 sources) - The number of people detained in connection with the investigation reached 10. (disputed by 3 sources) - Twelve suspects, including the baby's parents, were detained as part of the investigation. (disputed by 3 sources) - Search and rescue operations are continuing on the ground and via air using advanced devices. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Jandarma is investigating an allegation that the baby was handed over to someone else in exchange for money. (corroborated by 12 sources) - The mother, Elif Balıkçı, alleged that the baby was handed over to individuals in a white vehicle by the father, Yusuf Balıkçı, in exchange for money. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The 11-month-old baby disappeared while sleeping in a tent on September 10. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The baby's bloody and torn clothing was found approximately 2 kilometers away from the tent. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Elif Balıkçı later changed her statement, alleging Yusuf Balıkçı killed the baby and left her in a rocky area. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Elif Balıkçı initially claimed her 11-month-old daughter was sold for money. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Elif and Yusuf Balıkçı were arrested by the court. (corroborated by 5 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-20: Sivas search continues for missing 11-month-old baby Search efforts continue for 11-month-old Büşra Balıkçı in Sivas, Turkey. Several relatives have been arrested following allegations of foul play, though no traces of the infant have been found. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sivas-search-continues-for-missing-11-month-old-baby ### 2026-09-17: Sivas investigation continues into missing 11-month-old baby Authorities in Sivas, Turkey, are investigating the disappearance of 11-month-old Büşra Balıkçı. Several family members have been arrested following conflicting claims of murder and child trafficking. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sivas-investigation-six-arrested-in-disappearance-of-11-month-old-bra-balk ### 2026-09-15: Sivas investigation: Parents arrested in missing 11-month-old baby case Parents and relatives have been arrested in Sivas, Turkey, following the disappearance of 11-month-old Büşra Balıkçı and conflicting allegations of murder made by the mother. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sivas-authorities-detain-10-people-in-missing-infant-investigation ### 2026-09-13: Sivas investigation: Missing 11-month-old baby's disappearance Authorities in Sivas, Turkey, are investigating the disappearance of 11-month-old Büşra Balıkçı. Following conflicting claims of kidnapping, sale, and murder, nine people have been detained. 37 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sivas-search-intensifies-for-missing-11-month-old-baby ### 2026-08-22: Tehran Police recover kidnapped infant after 11-month trafficking ordeal Tehran police have recovered an infant kidnapped 11 months ago after the child was trafficked through nine different families for profit. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tehran-nanny-arrested-for-kidnapping-infant --- Cite as: Infant disappearance investigation in Sivas, Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/infant-disappearance-investigation-in-sivas-turkey