Three cops hurt in mob attack

JAKARTA: An angry mob turned on three policemen late on Tuesday after the officers intervened to stop the mob from beating an alleged pickpocket in front of the Christian University of Indonesia in East Jakarta.

The incident began when a mob surrounded and began beating Asudungan Silalahi, 23, an employee of the Dewi Sri bus company, who was accused of picking the pocket of a bus passenger.

The three officers, who were dining in a nearby food stall, intervened to save Silalahi.

Because the officers -- Second Brig. Ricky Roland, Second Brig. Trinitas and Second Brig. Parlindungan -- were not wearing uniforms, the mob apparently believed they were Silalahi's accomplices.

Silalahi and Trinitas received head injuries that required stitches to close in the attack, while Roland and Parlindungan suffered minor injuries.

The police are investigating the incident. -- JP