Residents injured in gang robbery

SEMARANG: At least 16 residents of Kalimoro village in Grobogan, some 45 kilometers east of here, were injured in a one- sided fight against a group of robbers on Sunday.

Spokesman for Central Java Police Lt. Col. M. Ramlie said on Monday an armed gang of about 50 people were making away with a quantity of swallow nests worth Rp 70 million from a local when villagers intercepted them.

The local residents failed to capture any of the robbers because they were outnumbered, according to Ramlie.

The burglars fled the village in three cars.

Those injured included Mustofa, 40, Taspiran, 32, Yono, 33, Tarli, 43, Slamet, 35, Bisri, 40 and Kamid, 33. "They suffered stab wounds to their chests and heads, but are now receiving medical treatment," Ramlie said.

Police, who came too late to help the villagers, are chasing the robbers. (har)