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The number of suspects detained in the investigation into the deaths of a mother and her two children, who died after being hospitalized in Istanbul’s Fatih district, has risen to 11, authorities said Monday.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office is continuing its investigation into the deaths of Kadir Muhammet, 6; Masal Bocek, 3; and their mother, Cigdem Bocek, who were admitted to a hospital with suspected food poisoning after dining at a restaurant in Besiktas and returning to the hotel where they were staying in Fatih.
Eight suspects remained in custody at the Public Security Branch Office's Homicide Bureau, while three more were detained Monday morning. Among those newly detained are two hotel employees and the individual responsible for pest control, according to officials.
A total of eight suspects are expected to be referred to the Istanbul Courthouse later Monday.
Meanwhile, toxicology results from the Forensic Medicine Institute and a separate report by the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry on food samples collected from several businesses are also expected to be finalized today.
Turkish Health Minister Professor Kemal Memisoglu said the Bocek family had arrived at the hospital with complaints of diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Speaking to Turkish media, Memisoglu confirmed that the family was kept under observation and received treatment on stretchers before being discharged.
“They kept the family under observation. Because they had gastroenteritis—diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting—they administered treatment while they were on stretchers and discharged them,” he said. “We will look at what treatment was given. We launched an investigation. The results will clarify everything. Capa and Bezmialem are sufficient hospitals. Whether there were shortcomings will be understood once the investigation is complete.”
The minister added that the father, who remains in intensive care, appears to have passed the acute phase. “What it is, what it isn’t, and how much recovery is possible—we will see,” he said.
Servet and Cigdem Bocek arrived in Istanbul from Germany on Nov. 9 and were staying at a hotel in Fatih with their children, Kadir Muhammet and Masal. The family was taken to the hospital on Nov. 12 with complaints of nausea and vomiting. Despite medical intervention, the children could not be saved.
Cigdem Bocek, who had been receiving treatment at Taksim Training and Research Hospital, died on Nov. 14. The father's treatment is ongoing.
Two other tourists staying at the same hotel were also hospitalized with nausea and vomiting. A third person, who was sharing the room, was admitted for further examination due to a low heart rate.
Following police inspections, the hotel was evacuated and guests were transferred to other accommodations.
Previously detained suspects include a hotel owner, a confectioner, a street food vendor, a baker, a mussel seller, a cafe operator, the son of the pest control company owner, and a pest control worker.
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