Mourner mobbed for stealing money at Lopa's residence

Mourner mobbed for stealing money at Lopa's residence

JAKARTA (JP): A mourner at the residence of late attorney
general Baharuddin Lopa was mobbed by other mourners after he was
caught red-handed, stealing condolence money worth Rp 10 million
(US$884) on Thursday evening.

A number of mourners apprehended and beat the suspect, Andi
Ibrahim, 35, when he apparently got greedy and was about to
pocket another Rp 5 million, at about 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Knowing what happened, several mourners became enraged and
joined in beating him until he was covered in blood, before
police came to his rescue.

East Jakarta Police detective chief for gambling/women-related
crimes First. Insp. Suharto who made the arrest, said that he had
been on duty at the late attorney general's residence in Pondok
Bambu, East Jakarta.

"This man Andi was so crazy. He said he was tempted when he
saw a black bag containing the money in one of the rooms in the
house. I don't even think he was a mourner. He just arrived
there, waiting for an opportunity to steal," Suharto said on
Thursday.

According to Suharto, Andi saw the bag, and walked toward it.
He took out the first bundle of money (Rp 5 million) and pocketed
it. Then he took a second bundle (Rp 5 million) and pocketed it.

Quoting Andi's confession to the police, Suharto said that
when Andi took the third bundle, it fell from his hands.

"When the money fell, people realized what had happened. They
immediately started to beat him up... I had to drag Andi away
from the crowd," Suharto said.

"Andi had traveled to Lopa's home in a sedan. He told us that
he was a jobless man with two children. He says that he regrets
doing what he did."

The incident tainted the solemn ceremony, as mourners and
locals outside the house started to chase the thief and hit him
until he bled.(ylt/bby)