Arrest of robbery suspects queried

BANDUNG (JP): West Java Police know nothing about the arrest of four suspects of the Jagorawi fatal robbery on Oct. 11, the spokesman said.

Lt. Col. Istanto Judihardjo said Wednesday he had not received any report about the arrest of four people believed to be involved in the robbery, which claimed the life of Zaenuddin Lesmana.

Jakarta-based Media Indonesia reported Wednesday that the military had arrested four people in connection with the robbery. The report did not name the suspects. Nor were details of the arrests revealed.

"I have asked Col. Sudirman Ail, the West Java detectives chief, about the report but there has been no answer so far," Istanto said.

An official, who asked not to be identified, confirmed the arrests which were made in East Jakarta and Bogor.

Rumors have it that the four are being detained by the West Java Military and awaiting further process.

It is not clear whether the four are civilians or members of the Armed Forces.

Zaenuddin Lesmana, 42, was shot during the robbery, while his companions Tjetje Tadjudin and Norman Lubis survived.

Three robbers, one of them armed with an FN 45 gun, made off with Rp 350 million belonging to the private firm Zaenuddin worked for, and left a further Rp 300 million behind in Zaenuddin's car.

Tjetje and Norman were declared suspects after a series of interrogation.

The case drew attention after Tjetje died on Oct. 21 after allegedly being tortured while in police custody.

A police first lieutenant, identified only as DT, stands accused of beating Tjetje to death and is now in custody. (21/24)