Villagers arrested for killing hoodlum

BOGOR (JP): Police have detained 13 Pangkal Jaya villagers in Nanggung district for allegedly killing a 30-year-old man who they said was a notorious hoodlum at the illegal gold mining site on Pongkor hill.

Chief of the Bogor Police Lt. Col. Ade Husen Kartadipura said officers also were seeking another villager, Udin Handi Somda, in the murder.

He identified the arrested suspects as Astra, Badri, Amin, Dulloh, Muhidin, Ahmad, Ace, Anda, Jarkim, Rainan, Reman, Sata and Sarhali, who are aged between 20 and 42.

According to the officer, the villagers met the victim, Irawan, at Mawar Market in the town on Friday and forced him into a public minivan. They bound Irawan and beat him to death.

"The dead body was then dumped in an unused gold mining shaft at the Pongkor site," officer Ade said.

The preliminary police investigation found the suspects were apparently angry over repeated misdemeanors allegedly committed by Irawan against Pangkal Jaya residents.

"The victim was notorious for stealing goods and cheating people," the officer said.

Villagers were particularly incensed by Irawan's refusal to pay back a debt of Rp 4 million (US$588) and return the motorcycle he borrowed from villager Maman, Ade said.

"He continuously made excuses in order to delay his obligation to pay the debt and return the motorcycle. He even refused to see Maman."

An irate Maman previously vandalized Irawan's house and the home belonging to his parents-in-law.

Although Maman remained unaware of Irawan's whereabouts, his neighbors heard on Friday that he was frequenting the traditional market.

They went to the market "to teach Irawan a lesson", Ade said.

"Inside the public minivan, the suspects tied up the victim and beat him to death," he added.

After dumping the corpse in the mining shaft, the villagers covered its opening with soil, rocks and banana leaves, he said.

Police are investigating if Maman was involved in the killing. (24/bsr)