Theft suspect burned alive

JAKARTA (JP): West Bekasi residents burned alive an unidentified man suspected of theft on Jl. Boulevard Hijau, Kav. Kali Abang Dukuh, West Bekasi, late on Thursday.

Bekasi Barat subprecinct police chief Adj. Comr. Yanti Syantilah said on Friday morning that she had yet to discover whether or not the burned man had actually stolen anything.

According to a police officer there, the incident began as an unidentified man walked along Jl. Boulevard alone at about 10 p.m. on Thursday.

"As the stranger passed by, someone suddenly shouted "thief!" at him, which caused neighbors to rush out of their houses," he said, adding that the residents easily caught the confused man.

He said that while the man was being mobbed, one of the residents shouted, "burn him!" a suggestion that was quickly responded to by another resident who straight away doused him with gasoline and set him alight.

The officer said another resident who saw the immolation then contacted the police. They arrived at the crime scene, only to find a charred corpse. (01)