Husband kicks wife out of taxi

JAKARTA (JP): A woman was strangled and pushed out of a taxi by her husband on the toll road near Jatibening, Bekasi, on Monday, a police report says.

The woman, Rosmiati, 36, who later reported the case to the police, was left helpless on the roadside but suffered no serious injuries.

She said her husband, Alex Tambusai, was angry after a heated quarrel between the two of them and Alex' girlfriend, Ratna.

"Rosmiati said she married Alex in 1984, and that they were both fine until March last year. Then Alex started to date Ratna. Since then, Rosmiati said that Alex had often beat her up," a detective who requested anonymity said.

He explained that on Monday Rosmiati saw Alex and Ratna walking and holding hands together at Pasar Ular flea market in North Jakarta.

Rosmiati confronted the happy-looking couple, and an argument ensued, the detective said.

"There were many onlookers, so the three took a taxi and decided to continue with the fight at a place quiet. In the middle of the toll road, Rosmiati said she wanted to get out of the taxi, and told Ratna to get out as well," the detective said.

"Alex ordered Ratna to stay put in the taxi, and told Rosmiati to get out as she wished. At this point, they started to fight. Alex began to strangle Rosmiati, and allegedly beat her up, before kicking her out of the taxi."

After the complaint, a female police officer escorted Rosmiati to the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital for an examination. (ylt)