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Infant disappearance investigation in Sivas, Turkey

Updated 7 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-19 10:51 UTC → 2026-09-20 14:03 UTC · added removed

Authorities in Sivas, Turkey, are investigating the disappearance of continue to search for 11-month-old Büşra Balıkçı, who vanished disappeared from a tent in the Divriği district 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 shifted from a missing person case to a murder allegation following inconsistent been marked by conflicting testimonies from the infant’s mother, Elif Balıkçı. While she She initially suggested the child was kidnapped or sold for money, she sold, but later alleged that the father, Yusuf Balıkçı, had killed murdered the baby infant and buried the body her in a nearby grazing area. Search operations in the İncedere Plateau area have utilized AFAD, gendarmerie commandos, AI-supported drones, and tracking dogs. Although bloody and torn clothing believed to belong to the infant was discovered 2 to 3 kilometers from While the campsite, no body has been recovered. As of September 17, father denies these accusations, the investigation has resulted in led to the detention of ten individuals 12 suspects and the arrest of six people, individuals, including the infant’s parents, parents and several relatives, on charges including such as intentional homicide and concealing evidence. New developments include statements from A recent development involving the child’s siblings, who told social workers victim’s siblings—who are currently under state protection—alleged that an individual identified as ‘Mehmet K.’, to whom the father allegedly owed money, entered their tent and a man named Mehmet K. took the baby to Diyarbakır in a vehicle to Diyarbakır to settle a debt. Following photo identification, Although Mehmet K. was apprehended in Diyarbakır. However, following a photo identification, he denied the allegations, and after allegations. After an investigation into HTS records showed yielded no criminal evidence, he was released under judicial control. The four surviving siblings of the Balıkçı family have been placed under state protection at the Sivas 4 Eylül Children’s Home. The Divriği Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has imposed a publication ban on the case.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-20 14:03 UTC Infant disappearance investigation in Sivas, Turkey
  2. 2026-09-19 10:51 UTC Infant disappearance investigation in Sivas, Turkey
  3. 2026-09-17 13:27 UTC Infant disappearance investigation in Sivas, Turkey
  4. 2026-09-17 08:58 UTC Infant disappearance investigation in Sivas, Turkey
  5. 2026-09-15 11:22 UTC Infant disappearance investigation in Sivas, Turkey
  6. 2026-09-14 17:44 UTC Infant disappearance investigation in Sivas, Turkey
  7. 2026-09-14 14:48 UTC Infant disappearance investigation in Sivas, Turkey
  8. 2026-09-14 09:05 UTC Infant disappearance investigation in Sivas, Turkey

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