Locals burn suspected thief

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)