Blora calm after evening of rioting

BLORA, Central Java: The Blora regency was calm yesterday after riots Monday evening left one person dead and six houses burned.

Blora police chief Lt. Col. Guritno said yesterday the riot erupted after several people seen stealing timber from the state- owned timber company PT Perhutani were shot at.

"After discovering that their friends had been shot at, hundreds of residents from the area ran amok to take revenge by destroying and burning houses, cars and motorcycles belonging to Perhutani," he said.

He said police are conducting an investigation but have not detained anyone yet.

The man who was killed was identified as Darsid, 28. It is not known if he was killed during the riot or in the initial shooting incident. (har)