Armed robbers get away with Rp 60m

Armed robbers get away with Rp 60m

DENPASAR, Bali: Six unidentified men, one of whom was armed, robbed a businessman on Monday and made away with Rp 60 million in cash.

Bali Police spokesman Lt. Col. Y. Suyatmo confirmed the daylight robbery, saying the drama took place so quickly the victim was unable to do anything, even to remember the faces of the robbers.

The victim I Nyoman Suweta, 35, withdrew Rp 70 million from a BRI bank office before noon and deposited Rp 10 million at another bank, while the remaining Rp 60 million was being taken to Jaya Kerthi store. The store, belonging to his elder brother, is located on Jl. Cokroaminoto, close to the busy Ubung bus terminal.

"The six men on motorbikes intercepted Suweta's car as he arrived at the store. One of the robbers pointed a handgun at him, yet he fought him off until one of the men hit him on the head," Suyatmo said. The robbers stole the money when Suweta fell down unconscious.

People witnessing the robbery could do nothing but stare at the robbers' motorbikes speeding down the heavily congested road.

"I don't have any idea why people don't ask for a police escort when transporting such large amounts of money," Suyatmo said.

He said police provided the free service to whoever needed escorts, adding that robberies had become more and more brutal. (zen)