Soldiers beat up railway guard

Soldiers beat up railway guard

BLITAR, East Java: Provincial military chief Maj. Gen. Imam
Utomo promised yesterday to look into reports that three soldiers
beat up a railway crossing guard in Surabaya on Sunday.

The soldiers reportedly beat up Sugiyono, 30, for refusing to
raise the crossing gate that he had just lowered, even though
they told him a government official was about to pass by.

"I have ordered the military police to investigate the reports
of soldiers hurting people's feelings," he was quoted by Antara
as saying.

He promised to take action against, and possibly dismiss, the
soldiers if they are found guilty of tarnishing the image of the
Armed Forces.

Imam also reported that the authorities in Malang arrested
seven Armed Forces members for their involvement in a car theft
syndicate.

"I am grateful for their arrest and they will be sent to trial
soon," he said. (pan)