Miffed miners beat mom, son

BOGOR (JP): Seven illegal gold miners from the Pongkor mountain site allegedly assaulted a 50-year-old woman and her 30- year-old son after they were barred from using the family's pond near Nanggung on Tuesday.

From the Karya Bhakti Bogor Hospital, Sarinam and Umay told reporters on Wednesday that the attack occurred after the men were requested not to wash their rocks and soil in the pond near Cikaniki River.

"My son and I approached and politely told them that the pond was ours and they should not use it without our permission," Sarinam said.

The men insulted them and began a frenzied attack, the elderly woman recalled.

Their neighbors could not intervene because the suspects threatened them. The men entered Sarinam's house and vandalized her property.

The group eventually allowed relatives to take the injured pair to the hospital.

Surinam identified her attackers as Juni, Juhata, Sumanta, Juhadi, Junamat, Arman and Suherma.

Relatives remained too frightened on Wednesday to return to their homes due to the fear of reprisals.

"We have not told the police about this because of their threats," Surinam said.

An officer of the Leuwiliang police subprecinct confirmed he was unaware of the incident.

"We will look into the matter immediately," Maj. Arista said. (24/ylt)