Man Suspected of Chicken Theft Beaten to Death by Mob in Bali, Five Named as Suspects

A man suspected of stealing chickens in Tabanan, Bali, identified by the initials KD, was beaten to death by a mob on Friday (24/7). Police have now named five people as suspects in the fatal assault case. The five suspects are MJ, WS, KB, ML, and ND. KD was subjected to mob justice and killed after being caught allegedly stealing fighting cocks. Tabanan Police Chief, AKBP I Putu Bayu Pati, stated that the police are currently handling two cases simultaneously: the alleged theft, which is being handled by the Baturiti Police, and the alleged joint act of violence in a public place resulting in the victim’s death. “We have named five people as suspects in the assault case,” said Putu Bayu in a written statement on Monday (27/7). Bayu stated that the case is being handled professionally by the Tabanan Police with support from the Bali Regional Police Criminal Investigation Unit. Based on the investigation conducted so far, the incident began when residents apprehended a person suspected of stealing two chickens. This theft case was said to have caused unrest in the community. However, he stressed that vigilante actions cannot be justified under any circumstances and that the entire legal process must be handed over to law enforcement officials in accordance with applicable regulations. “The public is also urged to maintain the security and public order situation to remain safe, peaceful, and conducive,” he added. He also revealed that investigators have so far examined 18 witnesses and named five people as suspects in the alleged assault case. He stated that the investigation is still ongoing and does not rule out the possibility of additional suspects based on the evidence obtained. “In addition, investigators are also still looking into the case of a motorcycle being set on fire after the incident by gathering evidence and examining a number of witnesses,” he said. Previously, a man with the initials KD died after being mobbed by residents in Banjar Dinas Juwuk Legi, Batunya Village, Baturiti District, Tabanan Regency, Bali, after being caught allegedly stealing fighting cocks. Tabanan Police Public Relations Head, Iptu Ni Luh Putu Wiwik Endrayani, said the incident occurred on Friday (24/7) in the early hours around 01:30 WITA. “The suspected perpetrator was discovered by residents while allegedly stealing a chicken belonging to a local resident,” said Iptu Wiwik on Sunday (26/7). She stated that the police are currently not only investigating the alleged chicken theft but will also thoroughly investigate the mob attack that caused the suspected perpetrator’s death. “Currently, investigators are still examining witnesses and investigating the entire sequence of events, including the identification of the suspected perpetrator,” she added. The case has drawn public attention after a video of KD’s funeral went viral on social media, showing the victim’s child crying during the burial.