Murder a case of 'mistaken identity'

TANGERANG (JP): Police have detained a drink vendor for allegedly stabbing to death a student in the Bumi Serpong Damai housing complex here.

A detective from the Tangerang Police precinct said Monday that Sumaji, 17, had been accused of stabbing Panser Sadanian, 17, with a machete Sunday apparently in retaliation after a group of people extorted money from him.

However, Sumaji had the wrong address as Panser was a student of Orientasi Melayani School, a religious institution, and not the person he wanted, the officer, who did not want to be identified, said.

He said the suspect allegedly admitted that he could not tolerate being intimidated by the extorters, who forced him to pay between Rp 1,000 and Rp 2,000 a day.

Sumaji then took a machete and decided to take revenge, the officer alleged.

Panser, who died instantly at the scene, was taken to Tangerang General Hospital. (41/jun)