Criminal shot dead

JAKARTA (JP): The number of alleged criminals shot dead by police increased when an unemployed man was shot yesterday in Ciracas area, East Jakarta, when he resisted arrest.

A police sergeant at the East Jakarta Police precinct said the man, M.S. Tanjung alias Rudi, 39, had been wanted in connection with several crimes, including robbery.

"Rudi was arrested in a house in the area, but he tried to escape," the officer said.

He said police shot him in the back after firing two warning shots.

The source, who requested anonymity, said Rudi was rushed to the Kramatjati Police Hospital but died on the way.

The body was sent to the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital's morgue for a postmortem, he said.

At least 35 alleged criminals have been shot dead by police this year. Police have said all of them were shot while resisting arrest.

Last year police shot dead 46 alleged criminals who resisted arrest.

The shootings have drawn mix reactions from the public. Some people support the measure, saying it might reduce crime, but some doubt its effectiveness. (jun)