Two men beaten to death

JAKARTA (JP): Two alleged thieves have been beaten to death by an angry crowd in the Cakung district of East Jakarta, police said yesterday.

City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said the two victims were identified as Rian Aprianto, 22, and Irwanto, 20.

The crowd started beating them when an assistant to a minivan driver shouted "thieves" after they disembarked the vehicle.

"It is still not clear whether the two really stole any of the passengers' belongings," Aritonang said.

He said the East Jakarta Police were still investigating the case. The minivan driver's assistant is still at large. (cst)