Man Allegedly Stealing Chickens Dies After Mob Beating in Bali, 5 Arrested

In Tabanan, Bali, police have identified five individuals as suspects in a mob violence case where a man, allegedly a chicken thief, was beaten to death by residents. The incident occurred on Friday, July 24. The five suspects are identified as MJ, WS, KB, ML, and ND. The victim, identified by the initial KD, was allegedly beaten to death by a mob after being caught by residents for allegedly stealing two fighting chickens. Tabanan Police Chief AKBP I Putu Bayu Pati stated that the police are currently handling two cases simultaneously: the alleged criminal act of theft, investigated by the Baturiti Police, and the alleged criminal act of collective violence in public resulting in death. "We have identified five individuals as suspects in the mob violence case," Bayu said in a written statement on Monday (27/7). He added that the Tabanan Police are conducting a professional investigation with support from the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Bali Regional Police (Ditreskrimum Polda Bali). Based on the investigation so far, the incident began when residents apprehended an individual suspected of stealing two chickens, a crime that had reportedly been causing distress in the community. However, the police emphasized that vigilantism is never justifiable under any circumstances, and all legal processes must be handed over to law enforcement agencies in accordance with applicable regulations. "We continue to urge the public to maintain a safe, peaceful, and conducive security situation," Bayu added. Investigators have questioned 18 witnesses and identified five suspects in the alleged mob beating. The police stated that the investigation is ongoing and does not rule out the possibility of additional suspects based on the evidence obtained. Furthermore, investigators are also delving into the case of a motorcycle burning that occurred after the incident, collecting evidence and interviewing several witnesses. Previously, a man identified as KD was reported to have died after being beaten by residents in Banjar Dinas Juwuk Legi, Desa Batunya, Baturiti District, Tabanan Regency, Bali, after being caught allegedly stealing fighting chickens. Head of Public Relations for Tabanan Police, Iptu Ni Luh Putu Wiwik Endrayani, stated that the incident occurred early Friday morning (24/7) around 01:30 WITA. "The alleged perpetrator was discovered by residents while allegedly stealing a chicken belonging to a local resident," Iptu Wiwik said on Sunday (26/7). She added that the police are not only investigating the alleged chicken theft but also deepening the investigation into the mob beating that resulted in the suspect's death. This case has garnered public attention, particularly after a video of KD's funeral, showing his child crying, went viral on social media. Source: CNN Indonesia