Suspected thief burned alive

Suspected thief burned alive

SRAGEN, Central Java: A man was burned to death by a mob in
Jabung village, Plupuh Sragen district, for allegedly stealing a
television set on Saturday.

The deceased, identified as Ratiyo, 30, was mobbed when he and
two friends, Sarwono, 18 and Sumar, 24, were accused of stealing
a television from Ratiyo's brother's house when they were
visiting.

Details of the incident were rather sketchy, but Antara
reported that Ratiyo went to the house with his two friends. Then
Ratiyo's nephew, Rudi, left the house and upon returning
discovered that the television set was missing and started to
scream "thief, thief".

Neighbors stormed the house and nabbed Ratiyo. The angry mob
poured gasoline over him and set him alight. His two friends
managed to escape.

Sragen Police are investigating the case, but no one has been
detained. The police have questioned Sarwono and Sumar. (dja)