Four cops fired over Tasikmalaya riots

BANDUNG (JP): Four police officers, whose alleged brutality sparked the violent rioting that killed four recently in the West Java town of Tasikmalaya, were dishonorably discharged here yesterday.

The discharge took place at a military ceremony led by West Java Police Chief Maj. Gen. Nana Permana. The officers' police insignias and uniforms were formally taken off before they then changed into civilian clothing.

The four were Nursamsi, a 37-year-old police chief corporal, and Agus Yulianto, Dedi Haerudin, and Agus Martadinata, all 23- year-old police second sergeants.

According to the official dismissal letter, the four officers had violated officers' discipline in doing their job, with an error that led to the fatal riots on Dec. 26.

The riots were sparked by a rumor that one of three teachers of a nearby Moslem boarding school who were tortured during police investigation, had died.

The rumor proved to be false, but the mob went on a burning and looting rampage. Scores of buildings, including 13 places of worship and dozens of factories, were torched.

Nana Permana later told reporters that the punishment was only an administrative one; legal measures against the alleged torturing have yet to be taken.

"The dossiers on them are being processed," he said.

Nana said he was not sure if the trial would be held before a military or civil court, as the officers were now civilians.

"It's a technical matter that I will consult first with the prosecutors' office and our (police) legal bureau," he said.

Nana said the force would take measures against other officers who may have been involved in beating up the teachers.

"But first let's see punishment for the officers directly involved. Those who touched the fire got burned, while those clutching the iron will also feel the heat," Nana said.

Nana said he hoped to restore the damage to the police image following the Tasikmalaya riots.

"It's like starting from scratch again. Gradually, I hope, everything will be back to normal," Nana said.

Nana also revealed yesterday that the police had detained 42 people suspected of involvement in the riotings. The dossiers and evidence against them have been completed, he said.

He said the police would soon file the dossiers to the prosecution office. (ahy/08)