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)