Man dies in detention

SEMARANG, Central Java: Eko, a resident of Pancakarya subdistrict, was found dead in his cell at the West Semarang police precinct on Wednesday.

"Eko, detained for alleged electronic goods theft, committed suicide in his cell on Wednesday afternoon," Chief of the West Semarang police precinct, Capt. Mawardi, was quoted by Antara on Thursday as saying.

The news agency said that it was Eko's roommates, who reported his death to the duty officers.

His cellmates said they saw him wrap a torn piece of clothing around his neck and tie its loose end to the cell's bars. But they failed to stop him killing himself.

Eko's relatives said that they did not intend to sue the police precinct as Eko had killed himself. (imn)