11.08.2026 18:40
In the investigation into the death of university student Rojin Kabaiş, whose body was found after an 18-day search in Van, a new claim has emerged. It was alleged that within the scope of the investigation, DNA samples were taken from Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Şevli and his nephew Enes Şevli. The Kabaiş family's lawyer, Abdurrahman Karabulut, also confirmed this development.
In the investigation into the death of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University student Rojin Kabaiş, it has been claimed that DNA samples were taken from the university's Rector, Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Şevli, and his nephew, Enes Şevli. Abdurrahman Karabulut, the lawyer for the Kabaiş family, confirmed that DNA samples were taken, and stated that a request was made for the samples to be compared with DNA profiles previously obtained within the scope of the investigation.
A new development has occurred in the investigation, which has been ongoing for approximately two years, into the death of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University student Rojin Kabaiş.
According to information reported by Amida Haber, it has been alleged that DNA samples were taken from the Rector of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Şevli, and his nephew, Enes Şevli, as part of the investigation file.
Abdurrahman Karabulut, the lawyer for the Kabaiş family, also confirmed that DNA samples were taken, stating that they have requested that the samples taken be compared with DNA profiles previously obtained within the scope of the investigation.
Taking a DNA sample alone does not mean that any individual is accused of a crime or has a connection to the incident. At this stage of the investigation, it is expected that the samples in question will be compared with existing DNA profiles and that the results obtained will be evaluated.
HER BODY WAS FOUND 18 DAYS AFTER SHE WENT MISSING
On the evening of September 27, 2024, Rojin Kabaiş went out after having a meal at the dormitory where she was staying at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University. After that night, no news was received from the young student.
The search efforts initiated for Kabaiş continued for 18 days. The young student's lifeless body was found on the shore of Mollakasım Neighborhood in the Tuşba district of Van on October 15, 2024.
After the procedures, Kabaiş's funeral was buried in her hometown of Diyarbakır.
DNA PROFILES OF 195 PEOPLE WERE COMPARED
In the later stages of the investigation, DNA samples were taken from various individuals, and comparisons were made with profiles obtained at the Forensic Medicine Institute.
In a statement made by the Van Bar Association Women's Rights Center in 2025, it was noted that the number of people whose DNA profiles were compared, including those considered to have potentially come into contact with the body during its transfer to the morgue from the point where Kabaiş's lifeless body was found, had risen to 195.
Within this scope, it was announced that DNA samples were also taken from security personnel working at the dormitory and the university.
With the latest development, the claim that DNA samples were also taken from Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Şevli and his nephew Enes Şevli has come to the agenda.
RECTOR ŞEVLİ'S NAME HAD PREVIOUSLY COME TO THE AGENDA
The name of Hamdullah Şevli had previously been at the center of various debates during the Rojin Kabaiş investigation process.
The manner in which the investigation was conducted, claims regarding the autopsy process, and the university administration's position in the file were publicly debated, and the issue was also reflected in parliamentary questions submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
The Kabaiş family's request in 2026 for a DNA sample to be taken from Rector Şevli had also been reflected in the public domain.
NOTABLE STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILY'S LAWYER
Abdurrahman Karabulut, the lawyer for the Kabaiş family, announced that they have requested the merger of a threat file, which he stated was connected to the investigation, with the main investigation.
Karabulut also stated that they consider the DNA samples taken from Rector Şevli and his nephew Enes Şevli to be insufficient and that they have applied for a comprehensive examination to be conducted.
The lawyer stated that they have also requested that Rector Şevli's mobile phone be seized with him as a suspect, and that his HTS records and base station data be examined.
"THE CIRCLE IS NARROWING"
In a post on his social media account, Karabulut used striking statements regarding the investigation.
The lawyer's post is as follows:
"THE CIRCLE IS NARROWING. In the Rojin Kabaiş investigation, we made the necessary requests to the investigative authority in line with reports supported by concrete evidence that reached us. In the investigation being conducted to uncover the material truth and identify the person or persons responsible for Rojin's death, the circle is gradually narrowing. What matters to us is not to accuse any person or institution in advance, but to reach the truth by following the evidence."