Ankara: Believing that Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s body may have been disposed of in the nearby Belgrad forest or on farmland, Police in Turkey investigating the alleged killing have expanded their search.
Mr Khashoggi who was living in self-exile in Washington had disappeared after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October. Turkish officials allege that he was murdered. However, Saudi Arabia has denied the allegation and said it has no knowledge of what happened to him.
Samples taken from the Saudi consulate and the consul’s residence during searches this week are being tested for a match with Mr Khashoggi’s DNA.
According to BBC, the police are searching the Belgrade forest because it is believed at least two vehicles from the Saudi consulate headed in that direction on the day of the suspected killing.
Meanwhile, 15 Turkish nationals employed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul have been questioned by prosecutors.