Suspect named in Langkat blast

Apriadi Gunawan, Medan

The North Sumatra provincial police announced on Wednesday that they plan to put into custody one of the victims of a recent grenade explosion -- for illegal possession of an explosive device.

Binjai Chief Detective Adj. Comr. Dhani K. said they would soon put into custody Rehulina Ginting, 30, after he recovers sufficiently from injuries sustained in the explosion at a guard post near a fish hatchery in Namu Sira-Sira in Langkat regency on July 20.

An acquaintance of the suspect, Sofyan Surbakti, alias Adek, 30, was killed in the blast, while another friend, Suhendra remains in the hospital recovering from injuries.

Dhani said that police investigators finally determined on Wednesday that Rehulina was the prime suspect in the incident after questioning witnesses who said that he owned the grenade.

The police officer added that witnesses reported that Rehulina was trying to intimidate his friends who were watching TV. They were not frightened, as they thought he was only joking. Dhani said that the police were still looking into how Rehulina obtained the grenade.

Meanwhile, North Sumatra Police spokesman, Sr. Comr. Bambang Prihady said that the grenade went off during a struggle between Sofyan and Rehulina. One of them eventually dislodged the pin and the grenade fell to the floor and exploded.

A hole about 20 centimeters in diameter was found in the wooden floor of the hut, and the pin was lodged in the ceiling.

"We assume from witness testimony that there was a quarrel between them before the grenade exploded. There are indications of this," said Bambang.

"The grenade suddenly exploded and Sofyan died instantly in the blast," added Dhani.

Bambang further said the suspect had violated Law No. 12/1951 (Emergency Law) and could face a 12-year sentence for illegal possession of arms and explosive material.