Three Named as Suspects in Assault on Cicalengka Police Chief and Military Commander
The Criminal Investigation Unit of the Bandung Regency Police in West Java has named three suspects, identified by the initials RF, YP, and IA, over the assault of the Cicalengka police chief and the Cicalengka military sub-district commander while they were securing a carnival marking the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence.
Deputy Chief of Criminal Investigation at the Bandung Regency Police, AKP Asep Ahmad Nuron, said the three suspects were designated based on the results of examination and investigation of four alleged perpetrators who had earlier been detained by police.
“We had previously detained four alleged perpetrators. At present, based on the investigators’ examination, three have been named as suspects,” he said.
Asep said the mob attack occurred on Monday, 17 August, at around 12.40 p.m. Western Indonesia Time in front of the Cicalengka Sub-district Office, while the Cicalengka police chief and military sub-district commander were on duty securing the carnival.
“In the incident there was a mob attack, or maltreatment, or violence against officials who were on duty,” he said.
According to Asep, the trouble began when the perpetrators became involved in an argument with other carnival participants, after which the Cicalengka police chief and the military sub-district commander attempted to break up the dispute.
However, the two, who were wearing their official uniforms at the time, were instead attacked and struck, while a civilian was also a victim in the incident.
Police subsequently detained four alleged perpetrators on Monday, 17 August, at around 9.00 p.m. Western Indonesia Time, and after undergoing examination, three of them were named as suspects.
Asep said investigators were still looking into the possibility that other perpetrators were involved in the incident.
“We are still developing the case based on witness statements and amateur video. It is possible that investigators from the Bandung Regency Police Criminal Investigation Unit may add further suspects,” he said.
Police are also investigating the allegation that the perpetrators were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. Based on witness examinations and coordination with the Bandung Regency Police Narcotics Unit, the perpetrators are suspected of having consumed alcohol.
The three suspects are charged under Article 262, Article 466, and Article 348 of the Criminal Code relating to joint violence, maltreatment, and resistance against officials carrying out their duties.