Soldier beaten by mob

Soldier beaten by mob

JAKARTA (JP): A soldier was recovering in hospital yesterday
after he was beaten unconscious by a crowd who thought he was a
robber.

A police source said the soldier, identified as Gun, received
severe wounds to most of his body and was still unconscious when
taken to hospital. The soldier's rank was not revealed.

He said the attack took place on Jl. Petamburan, Tanah Abang,
Central Jakarta, outside the home of a man, Suyanto Saputro, Gun
had been involved in a car accident with.

Witnesses said that when Gun arrived at the Suyanto's home to
discuss compensation, Suyanto screamed and called Gun "a robber".
People in the vicinity then attacked Gun.

Suyanto told the crowd that Gun had tried to force him to pay
Rp 100 million (US$40,816) in compensation for the damage to
Gun's car "and for allegedly being a drug dealer".

City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said the crowd
handed Gun over to the Tanah Abang police precinct at around 5
a.m. yesterday.

Aritonang said police were investigating the case and
questioning Suyanto and a taxi driver. They were unable to
interview Gun because of his injuries. (cst)