Suspect named in Langkat blast

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.