Beauty shop owner found killed in place of business

JAKARTA (JP): The bloody body of a noted hairdresser and beautician was found in a bedroom at his beauty shop in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, on Friday morning.

Police suspect 56-year-old Darsan Chaniago, known as Chan and the owner of Chaniago Salon on Jl. Bendungan Asahan, was killed by close acquaintances, possibly with the help of his servant.

His half-naked body was discovered on his bed by his servant Kismono at 8 a.m.

A bachelor, Chan's regular clientele included movie stars, models and young business executives.

The servant started work two weeks ago at Chan's salon, which also served as his residence.

"It was Kismono who found Haji Chan's body," close neighbor Iwan Safwan told reporters.

Although the servant is still being questioned by police, Iwan quoted Kismono as saying that two men came to the shop at about 8 p.m. on Thursday.

The servant said he did not know the two men.

Several neighbors also saw the men arrive in a red Kijang van, Iwan said.

The car was parked in front of the house until about 8 a.m. on Friday, another neighbor said.

Upon their arrival, the two guests went with Chan to the second-floor living area, Iwan quoted Kismono as saying.

Kismono believed the men might have been Chan's masseurs.

"Chan's bedroom is on the first floor, but he would often get a massage in the second floor room because he didn't like his bedroom filled with the aroma of massage oil," said Iwan, who said he frequently visited Chan's house.

At about 6:30 a.m., one of the visitors asked Kismono to make two cups of coffee. The men drank the coffee and left.

Iwan said Kismono recounted that he asked the men where Chan was and they replied he was taking a bath upstairs.

Kismono became suspicious after hearing nothing from upstairs. He went upstairs and found the door was locked.

He found the keys on the dinner table and unlocked the room, Iwan said.

Kismono found his employer dying on the bed and called Iwan for help.

"I had the chance to speak with the victim before he was rushed to Mintohardjo (Navy Hospital)," Iwan said.

He said Chan told him he did not know who attacked him.

Central Jakarta Police detective chief Maj. Budiono Sandi strongly believed the killing was committed by close friends of Chan.

He said he was unaware of a motive.

Police, he added, also suspected the servant because he was the only person they knew of who saw the two men.

A dumbbell, believed to be used in the murder, was confiscated from the scene, Budiono said.

Among friends and neighbors, Chan was known for his hospitality and generosity. Neighbors often asked him for help and friends frequently visited and stayed late at his house.

Several noted public figures, including professional photographer Darwis Triadi and his wife, senior model Nany Sakri and singer and fashion designer Itang Yunaz, visited the scene on Friday. (emf)