Youth in Garut Detained After Throwing Stone at Mosque During Tarawih Prayers

A mosque in Garut was attacked by a young man whilst congregants were performing tarawih prayers, with a stone thrown through one of the mosque windows, shattering the glass.

The incident occurred at Kampung Pasirkacapi Mosque in Wanasari Village, Wanaraja District, Garut on Saturday, 14 March at approximately 20:00 WIB. According to Wanaraja Police Sector Chief AKP Abusono, the incident began when worshippers performing tarawih prayers were startled by a loud sound from outside.

“After investigation, we found one mosque window had shattered and discovered a sizeable stone inside the mosque,” Abusono explained.

According to Abusono, despite the fright, the congregation managed to complete their tarawih prayers.

“We were alerted by residents and immediately went to the scene. We happened to be conducting tarawih rounds in the neighbouring village at the time,” he said.

Abusono revealed that based on investigation, the perpetrator was a 37-year-old man named Riki, a local resident. The stone thrower was initially apprehended by residents before being handed over to police.

“He was initially detained by residents, then turned over to us,” Abusono stated.

Riki was immediately arrested by officers and brought to Wanaraja Police Sector for questioning. Based on the examination, Riki admitted to his actions.

“He confessed to throwing the stone because he heard voices and felt frustrated,” Abusono explained.

“He is currently being examined at a hospital regarding his mental condition. Outwardly, he appears healthy and coherent when speaking. However, based on information from his family, he has a history of hereditary mental illness from his parents,” he concluded.