Police Arrest Elderly Murder Suspect Allegedly Stealing Two Chayotes in Cianjur

West Java’s Cianjur Resort Police have named UA (41) as a suspect in an alleged assault on M (56), who later died. The victim was accused of stealing two chayotes from the suspect’s cultivated land. The case has drawn public attention in Cianjur Regency. UA allegedly took two chayotes from land not his own as he faced pressure to break his fast. Cianjur Police Chief of Resort, Ajun Komisaris Besar Akhmad Alexander Yurikho Hadi, said UA’s designation as a suspect was based on elements of intentional violence. The chief noted that the victim’s body bore bruises in several areas, believed to be caused by violence. ‘Today, we from the Criminal Investigation Unit of Cianjur Police and the Cugenang Sector Criminal Investigation Unit must uphold the law. Ultimum remedium or the last resort of enforcement law is what we must take,’ the chief told reporters at the victim’s home in Kampung Bayabang RT 001/006 Desa Talaga Kecamatan Cugenang, on Thursday (5/3). The alleged assault occurred on Saturday (28 February). At that time the victim was caught red-handed by the suspect taking chayotes from his cultivated land. The suspect’s anger boiled over because the theft of chayotes had been frequent on his land. When the suspect caught the act, he believed the victim who had long been taking chayotes on his land. ‘The victim named M died on Monday (2 March). Investigation results indicate the victim is believed to have sustained acts of violence. The incident is believed to have been carried out by UA, who has now been named a suspect and has been subjected to compulsory detention,’ he said. The chief said he was saddened by the case. First, the theft of two chayotes occurred because the victim was desperate to have something to eat for breaking fast. ‘Then today we also visited the deceased’s home; economically his family is not well. Our visit is to emphasise that we are not only law enforcers but also protectors, guardians, and servants of the people. Alhamdulillah, we could provide some assistance,’ he added. The chief emphasised that criminal acts need not be treated and concluded with violence. If such is done, it will create new problems. For his actions, the suspect is charged under Article 466(3) of the Indonesian Republic Law Number 1/2023 on the Criminal Code. The suspect faces up to seven years in prison. Minta, a middle-aged man from Bayabang RT 001/006 Desa Talaga Kecamatan Cugenang, Cianjur, West Java, died as a result of the chayote incident. Chayote grows widely in tropical regions such as Indonesia and is often prepared as clear soup, lodeh, stir-fry, or raw. In addition to the fruit, the shoots and leaves can also be consumed.