Police seek new proof to bring Ria to court

Police seek new proof to bring Ria to court

JAKARTA (JP): Despite the recent decision by the City
Prosecutor's Office to drop charges against starlet Ria Irawan,
police declared yesterday that the artist was involved in the
death of her ex-boyfriend Rifardi Sukarnoputra.

The difference in view between the police and the prosecutors
concerning Ria's case "is just a matter of conviction," said City
Police Chief Maj. Gen. Mochammad Hindarto.

On Friday, head of the prosecutors' office, Suyoto, announced
that his office had dropped it's case against the 24-year-old
actress due to a lack of substantial evidence provided by the
police.

"We have reviewed the dossiers presented by police and the
results of the investigation from a team of prosecutors, and
decided that there is not enough evidence to bring Ria Irawan to
court," Suyoto said.

According to him, the team he chaired had also questioned 10
people in connection with the case. "We found no compelling
reason to charge Ria as there was no criminal activity involved
in the young man's death. Therefore we have dropped all charges
against her."

However, a reliable source close to this case said that the
decision was apparently made after a series of heated debates
among the prosecutors on the team.

Based on dossiers compiled by the South Jakarta police, the
starlet was accused of violating at least two articles of the
criminal code in connection with the death of businessman
Rifardi, 22, in her house in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta, on Jan.
12.

Police said that Ria had failed to report to the police the
possession and use of illegal drugs by the deceased. If guilty,
she might face a one-year jail term or a maximum fine of Rp 1
million ($472) for this offense.

She is also alleged to have disposed of a saucer, vital
material evidence that could have given clues to the mysterious
death. The saucer is believed to have been used by Rifardi to
place the drugs. For this, Ria might face another maximum prison
term of four years, if convicted.

Referring to the post-mortem report, Hindarto said that
Rifardi had consumed pure heroin some five hours before he died
but was believed to have died after consuming cyclobarbital, a
sleeping pill.

Rifardi, he said, did not violate any law by consuming the
cyclobarbital. "Therefore, we only work on Rifardi's possession
and use of the heroin." (bsr)