Seven hoodlums arrested for street fight

Seven hoodlums arrested for street fight

TANGERANG (JP): Police arrested seven people on Thursday in
connection with a brawl at Cikokol bus station on Wednesday in
which R. Purba, 28, was killed and Natalius Marbun severely
injured.

The seven people, aged between 18 and 40 years, were
identified only as RT, RTH, TH, GL, BL, AB and LT.

Police said two of them, RT and TRH, were the prime suspects
in Purba's murder.

"We're still investigating the case and we've seized a machete
and an iron pole used in the fight as evidence," said Tangerang
Police detective chief Capt. Rahmad Wibowo.

It was reported that two groups of hoodlums were involved in a
dispute over a gambling game on Saturday, when the winner was
accused of cheating by the others.

Rumors of the dispute kept spreading, and on Wednesday
afternoon the groups attacked each other, Rahmad said.

However, a city police spokesman gave a different version of
events on Thursday, stating that some 50 Bataks, members of a bus
crew, came to the station to discuss bus routes with an Ambonese
crew.

But when the Bataks arrived at the station, the Ambonese took
it the wrong way and both parties started fighting. In the clash,
Purba was killed.

Rahmad also dismissed circulating rumors that Natalius had
died in the hospital due to his injuries.

"The rumors almost caused further conflict on Thursday as a
small truck load of hoodlums from Kebon Nanas and Ciledug arrived
at Cikokol station to take revenge," Rahmad said.

Tension still gripped Cikokol Terminal on Thursday, as dozens
of police officers were deployed to secure the neighboring
traditional market and business center.

"We're expecting the situation will soon return to normal. We
have deployed the personnel temporarily to prevent the dispute
from spreading," Rahmad said.

He also said that the two warring camps had admitted their
mistakes. "Hopefully, we can settle the matter soon," he said.

The attackers will be charged with article 170 of the Criminal
Code on assault which carries a maximum sentence of 12 years in
prison. (41/edt)