Mob runs amok over village head

Mob runs amok over village head

BANJARNEGARA, Central Java: Hundreds of residents in the
Central Java village of Kalimandi ran amok on Monday, destroying
seven buildings and poisoning four fishponds which contained
thousands of fish worth millions of rupiah.

Their anger was reportedly sparked by disappointment with the
election of 40-year-old Tulus as the new village head.

"The people have staged rallies to protest Tulus' appointment,
but they have failed to provide a reason for their opposition,"
Banjarnegara Police chief Lt. Col. Sunardi said.

Regent Nurachmad said he had no legal basis to reject Tulus,
saying he was elected in a democratic and lawful manner.

Earlier on Sunday, a Molotov cocktail was thrown at a house
belonging to Harto Susanto, new head of Pulorejo, another Central
Java village. No fatalities were reported.

Purwodadi Police chief Lt. Col. Cornelius said he suspected
Harto's opposition was responsible for the cocktail. Harto was
elected new village head last month. (45/har/edt)