Locals burn suspected thief

CILACAP, Central Java: A suspected motorbike thief was beaten and burned alive by a group of angry residents in Kaliwungu village, Kedungreja district, on Wednesday.

Residents said Sukardi, 32, was caught trying to steal a motorbike belonging to Darmanto, 28.

"Dozens of angry residents beat the poor man and set him on fire. Nobody dared intervene," said Basri, 47, a community official who witnessed the incident.

Another witness who asked for anonymity said Sukardi was in police custody when residents gathered at the station.

"The angry crowd demanded his release and the police, fearing the people would burn the police station, tossed Sukardi out to the mob," the witness said.

Cilacap Police chief Lt. Col. Andi Lolo was not available for comment and reportedly avoided journalists seeking confirmation of the man's death. (45/edt)