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)