Mahdi shot but remains at large

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