Human head discovered at Ketewel Beach suspected to be victim of mutilation

A human head discovered in the mouth of Wos River at Tan Sema Beach or Ketewel Beach, Banjar Keden, Ketewel Village, Sukawati District, Gianyar, Bali, is suspected to be a victim of mutilation. Multiple body parts besides the head were found on Thursday, 26 February 2026.

“There is suspicion of mutilation, but the exact cause is still under investigation. Bali Regional Police and Gianyar Police are cooperating in investigating the case,” said Gianyar Police Chief AKBP Chandra Kesuma to detikBali on Friday, 27 February 2026.

Besides the head, the body parts found included arms, thighs, internal organs, upper left chest, and foot fragments. The remains bore distinctive marks including a tattoo depicting a clock and the Virgin Mary on the arm.

The head showed physical characteristics of peeling skin with thinning hair. However, Chandra was unable to confirm whether the victim was male or female pending the results of crime scene investigation (CSI).

Chandra suspected that the human organs discovered might be connected to a kidnapping case involving a Ukrainian national. However, this could not yet be confirmed.

“Whether the victim is related to the abduction case, we are still awaiting the results of the scientific investigation,” stated the former Tabanan Police Chief.

Previously reported, the human head was discovered at 10:00 AM local time by a resident exercising along the beach. The individual spotted a suspicious object floating in the river mouth.

Upon approach, the object was confirmed to be a human head. The resident subsequently reported the discovery to police.

Upon receiving the report, police immediately proceeded to the location and secured the crime scene. Officers then combed the beach in search of any additional body parts.