Human origin of remains found in Kalludër, Zubin Potok confirmed, investigation continues

A new discovery in the village of Kalludër e Vogël, in the municipality of Zubin Potok, has brought teams from the Institute of Forensic Medicine to the scene, who confirmed that the found remains are of human origin and are of interest for forensic investigations. The news was announced by medic Ditor Haliti, after an initial inspection at the site.

According to Haliti, the visit to that location was made at the request of the Special Department of the Basic Court in Prishtina, in order to determine the nature of the mortal remains and their legal significance.

Haliti explained that today’s mission consisted of carrying out a preliminary assessment to clarify two key points: whether they were human remains and whether they had medico-legal weight. He added that for this reason, they were deployed in the field together with the Governmental Commission for Missing Persons, the War Crimes Investigation Unit, and representatives of EULEX who operate alongside the Institute. Based on initial analyses, he confirmed that they are human bones and that they are of interest for the investigation. Due to the rugged mountainous terrain and the complexity of the area, he announced that attention will now focus on preparing a safe approach so that the excavation process is conducted to the highest professional standards, adding that works will continue without delay in the coming days.

On the other hand, Kushtrim Gara, head of the Governmental Commission for Missing Persons’ Unit, was reserved about providing further details, stressing that it is still too early to speak before all examination procedures are completed.

Gara pointed out that this area has been a constant priority over the past years and expressed his gratitude to all teams that handled this information with urgency and dedication. He recalled that this is part of an ongoing institutional effort to honor the fundamental right of families: knowing the truth about the fate of their relatives. Gara assured that any information emerging from the exhumation and forensic analysis process will first be communicated to the families, who are at the center of this process, and then to the public.

Sources within the investigation process suggest that this site may contain the remains of persons known as the group of “Mitrovica intellectuals,” who disappeared on April 19, 1999. However, official identification and final confirmation will come only after the full completion of excavations and specialized examinations.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Kosovo Police arrested two suspects in connection with this matter, as investigations and field operations continue.