A high-ranking official from a company affiliated with the İstanbul municipality, Erhan Karaal, was discovered severely beaten and bound in an abandoned building on Friday. Karaal, the acting deputy general manager for financial and administrative affairs at İstanbul Culture Inc., was reportedly abducted outside his home. His lawyer confirmed the discovery and the extent of his injuries. The incident raises concerns about political motivations, given the company’s ties to the opposition-led İstanbul government. Authorities have launched an investigation into the abduction and assault. Details surrounding the circumstances of the abduction remain unclear, and no suspects have yet been identified. The event has prompted condemnation from opposition figures who fear escalating political violence.