Robbers steal Rp 700m, kill officer<\/p>\n
Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan<\/p>\n
One policeman was killed and six civilians wounded on Saturday
\nwhen armed robbers stole the Rp 700 million (US$68,495) payroll
\nof state plantation firm PT Perkebunan Nusantara II (PTPN II).<\/p>\n
Police are hunting down the suspected robbers, who they say
\nare "old players".<\/p>\n
The PTPN II management announced on Sunday that employees'
\nsalaries would be paid soon, despite the robbery.<\/p>\n
Witnesses said the armed robbers fired guns at the firm's
\nvehicle, which was heading toward the Sei Semayang sugarcane
\nplantation in Hamparan Perak district, Deli Serdang regency.<\/p>\n
Police said the robbery was obviously well planned since the
\nvehicle, driven by Sugohono and carrying two policemen, one
\nsecurity officer, three PTPN II security guards, departed the
\ncompany's office for Bulu Cina plantation earlier on Saturday.<\/p>\n
When the vehicle was crossing into the Paya Bakung area, a
\ntruck carrying around five men blocked its way and started firing
\nguns.<\/p>\n
"The criminals seemed to know precisely the number of security
\nofficers guarding the money because they fired at close range
\nduring the ambush to immobilize the guards inside," said Medan
\nPolice chief Sr. Comr. Irawan Dahlan.<\/p>\n
At least 30 bullet shells, including those for an M-16 rifle,
\nwere found around the vehicle.<\/p>\n
"There was an exchange of fire, in which a policeman was
\nkilled and others in the car were severely wounded," Irawan said.<\/p>\n
The dead policeman, Adj. First. Insp. Raskita Ginting, 41, of
\nthe Hamparan Perak Police died after sustaining gunshot wounds to
\nthe head and abdomen. Reskita also suffered a stab wound to his
\nneck.<\/p>\n
The six injured are Brig. D. Ritonga, Sugohono, JA Manalu,
\nSuharno, Sarzimun and Legiman. They are being treated at Tembakau
\nDeli and Gleneagles hospitals.<\/p>\n
To throw off the police, Irawan said the robbers abandoned the
\ncar they used in the heist and escaped in another car that had
\nbeen waiting for them near the crime scene.<\/p>\n
"We believe they split the money before leaving the crime
\nscene because we discovered the money bag that was used to carry
\nthe payroll," he said.<\/p>\n
Irawan said the criminals were believed to be in the district
\nbut seemed to know the district extremely well and were therefore
\nable to evade the police.<\/p>\n
"We have combed areas where we suspect they could be hiding.
\nWe expect to arrest them directly," Irawan said.<\/p>\n
He also said the robbers were part of an organized armed gang
\nthat operated in many districts and provinces on Sumatra island.<\/p>\n
PTPN II spokesperson Modal Pencawan confirmed the robbery, and
\nassured that the employees would still receive their salaries as
\nscheduled.<\/p>\n
"The management is astounded and very upset about the
\nincident, which claimed a life. We hope the authorities soon
\narrest the perpetrators," Modal said.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/robbers-steal-rp-700m-kill-officer-1447893297",
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