Angry mob assaults alleged murderer

BOGOR (JP): About 100 angry ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers and residents in Babakan Madang village, Citeureup district, Bogor severely assaulted on Thursday an alleged murderer identified as a 30-year-old man Suhandi.

The mob, many brandishing sharp weapons, attacked Suhandi in his house in the wee hours of Thursday as they thought he was responsible for the brutal killing of an ojek driver about five months ago.

Upon hearing of the raid, local police quickly brought Suhandi to Bogor PMI Hospital. He is reportedly suffering from extensive lacerations and bruising.

"But we were forced to move him to Dr. Sukanto Police Hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta, because about 200 ojek drivers threatened to attack the hospital," Bogor Police Detective chief First Lt. Santun Marpaung said.

Police eventually managed to calm the angry mob who later dispersed. "We still don't have any clues in this case. We don't even know the identity of the murder victim," Santun said, expressing his regret over the incident.

"People must not take the law into their own hands," he added. (21/edt)