Police Open Possibility of More Suspects in Tabanan Chicken Thief Mob Killing

The investigation into the mob attack that killed KD, a man suspected of stealing chickens in Batunya Village, Baturiti District, Tabanan, is still ongoing. Police have stated that the number of suspects could increase as the investigation progresses.

“Currently there are five suspects, for the killing and the destruction of the motorcycle. It is possible that the number of suspects will increase,” said Bali Police Public Relations Head, Commissioner Ariasandy, when met by detikBali on Tuesday (28/7/2026).

Tabanan Police have so far named five men with the initials MJ, WS, KB, ML, and ND as suspects. Police are still investigating the specific roles of each suspect in the mob attack.

Despite the pros and cons circulating on social media regarding the incident, Ariasandy stressed that vigilante justice in the form of mob attacks is a criminal act. The controversy stems from the fact that the victim was a recidivist convicted of theft in 2018, and the motorcycle that was destroyed had been stolen from Bangli Regency in 2019.

“It was a mob attack, a spontaneous act by the community. There are legal consequences that must be faced,” he added. Ariasandy requested that the public await the results of the police investigation.

It was previously reported that KD was beaten to death by a mob after being caught stealing two chickens in Batunya Village, Baturiti District, Tabanan, in the early hours of Friday (24/7/2026). In addition to the fatal assault on KD, the mob also destroyed the motorcycle he was riding. Police have also conducted an autopsy on the victim’s body to determine the exact cause of death.