Mahdi shot but remains at large

PALU, Central Sulawesi: Mahdi, a little-known Islamic sect leader, was shot in the leg during last week's deadly clash that killed five people, and may now be hiding on Mount Panggero in Donggala regency, Central Sulawesi, his followers told police on Sunday.

Since the Oct. 25 clash that killed three officers and two sect followers, police have intensified the manhunt for Mahdi by combing his hideouts in a mountainous area near Palu, but to no avail.

Chief of the sect's armed force, Arifin alias Lagu, said the gunshot wound may have prevented Mahdi from escaping farther than the mountain.

Lagu, who was arrested in Powelua village in Banawa district, Donggala, admitted to killing First Brig. Arwan during the incident, using the pistol carried by local police chief detective Adj. Comr. Imam Dwi Hariadi, who was also killed in the attack. -- JP