Search for Gülistan Doku starts again, water will be drained

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Gülistan Doku, a student of Munzur University, went missing in Turkey's eastern province of Dersim on January 5, 2020. Since then, her fate and whereabouts have been unknown for 198 days.

The family of Doku met Minister of Interior Süleyman Soylu.

In the meeting that took place on July 17, the family expressed their demands for the search efforts for Gülistan.

Speaking to bianet about the meeting, Aygül Doku, the elder sister of Gülistan Doku, says Minister Soylu has promised them that the water around Dinar Bridge, where Gülistan was seen for the last time, will be dried up.

Water under Dinar Bridge to be drained

As Aygül Doku informs bianet, the search efforts will restart as of today (July 20). Aygül Doku shares the following information in brief:

"We have got our promise out of Mr. Minister. As of today, the water under Dinar Bridge and its vicinity, where Gülistan allegedly jumped off, will be dried up for 15 days. The water in the upper and lower parts of the bridge, an area of around 2.5 square kilometers, will be drained.

"If Gülistan is here, we will find her body there. If she does not come out of there, the suspicion of murder will get stronger."

Search efforts were halted by the Ministry

The underwater search operations for Gülistan Doku were halted by the decision of the Ministry of Interior on July 6. The search was carried out in the vicinity of Uzunçayır Dam Lake and Sarısaltuk Viaduct.

Speaking to bianet about the issue, Mehmet Ali Özkan, the Governor of Tunceli (Dersim), said that the works would continue above the water: "Underwater search operations have been stopped, but the teams will keep searching for her on the surface in boats."

Following this decision, the family announced that they would meet with Minister Soylu on July 15. Due to the passing of Soylu's father-in-law and the flood in Black Sea province of Rize, the meeting could take place on July 17.

CLICK - Ministry of Interior halts underwater search for Gülistan Doku

CLICK - 'Gülistan's disappearance shouldn't be probed by the unit where the suspect's step-father works'

CLICK - Attorney of Doku Family: The only suspect has access to file, fabricates evidence

(RT/SD)