Suspected cult leader murdered

Suspected cult leader murdered

PAMEKASAN, East Java: The regency government has formed a team to investigate reports that an angry mob killed a man on suspicion of starting a cult.

Reports said about 60 people mobbed Samsul, 45, and beat him to death on March 9. His attackers broke into his house in the Bujur Timur village, where his body was found badly mutilated.

"We hope the team will publish their findings very soon," chief of the Pamekasan office of religious affairs Nachrowi Rois was quoted by Antara as saying yesterday.

Separately, deputy chief of the Pamekasan police precinct Maj. Bambang Sri Herwanto denounced those who take the law into their own hands.

The authorities will take harsh action against those involved, he said. (pan)