Thirty-eight held for fatal brawl

CIREBON, West Java: Thirty-eight people remained in police custody yesterday over a bloody inter-village brawl in Indramayu regency on May 31.

Police initially detained 120 people, mostly from Tugu Lor and Tugu Kidul, who were among a group that attacked residents of neighboring Sudimampir village.

Two people were killed, five critically injured and many suffered minor injuries in the attack, according to Antara.

The Tugu Lor and Tugu Kidul villagers also fought dozens of riot police protecting Sudimampir village. Police chased the attackers back to their villages after an officer was wounded by a bullet from a homemade rifle.

Police said the 38 were detained for attacking the authorities, carrying weapons or aiding the attack on police.

Police found the bodies of Uut Sutarni, 27, and Warno, 30, in front of Segaran village hall early Sunday. Both had multiple wounds. They were among those who had fled from police.

One hundred people were still missing yesterday, even though business had resumed and police said the situation was under control. (pan)