'Ojek' drivers beat man to death

'Ojek' drivers beat man to death

TANGERANG (JP): A 21-year-old alleged extortionist was beaten
to death by a group of ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers in Jatake
village on Sunday evening.

Herman, dubbed the King of Extortion by local ojek drivers,
suffered severe head injuries and bruises during the attack.

Tangerang Police chief Lt. Col. Arianto Boedihardjo confirmed
yesterday that Herman had been savagely beaten.

"He died on the way to Tangerang General Hospital," he said.

According to the ojek drivers, Herman, whose body was covered
in tattoos, demanded money from them every day.

"He was unemployed so he often intimidated us to make sure we
gave him some money for various reasons, including for security.
We were so incensed," an unidentified ojek driver was quoted by
Antara as saying.

On Sunday evening, Herman approached the group of ojek
drivers, and demanded money from one of the men, Syamsuddin, also
21, Arianto said.

The latter refused to yield to his request as he had not
earned any money that day, he said.

When Herman put pressure on him, Syamsuddin informed the other
ojek drivers, who beat him until he fell unconscious, the police
officer said. Herman was unable to defend himself against the
group.

Ariyanto did not disclose whether any of Herman's attackers
had been arrested or detained.

The victim's body was being kept at the hospital yesterday and
would undergo a postmortem examination. (bsr)