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)