Chicken Thief Lynched to Death in Bali, Daughter's Heartbreaking Cries Go Viral

A tragic incident has occurred in Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali, where a man identified as KD died after being lynched by residents, who accused him of stealing a chicken. A video of his young daughter crying for her father at the scene has gone viral on social media, causing widespread concern. According to local police, the incident took place in the early hours of Friday, July 24, 2026. KD was allegedly apprehended by residents while attempting to steal a chicken belonging to a resident named I Wayan Adi Suteja, around 1:30 AM local time. Residents then collectively secured KD, who reportedly suffered a severe beating and died at the scene. Police arrived around 2:00 AM local time, conducted an on-site investigation, and secured evidence including a chicken, a machete, pliers, a slingshot, stones, cash, and KD's motorcycle, which was found burned. Police are investigating the cause of KD's death and the full extent of the alleged criminal acts. AKBP Rina Isriana Dewi, Head of Sub-Division of Public Relations of the Bali Regional Police Public Relations Bureau, stated that the police are investigating the cause of death and the alleged criminal acts. She mentioned that the alleged theft occurred amidst community unrest due to frequent livestock losses. However, she emphasized that every alleged criminal act must be processed according to the law. "We urge the public not to take matters into their own hands and to hand over the handling of every alleged criminal act to law enforcement officials," Rina said. The incident has brought profound grief to KD's family, particularly his children. A viral video shows KD's youngest daughter crying next to her father's body during the funeral procession. I Made Sutama, the village head of Sidetapa, stated that KD is survived by three children: the eldest has married, the second is in the first year of high school, and the youngest is in the first grade of elementary school. Sutama expressed regret over the violence that led to a loss of life, stating that alleged criminal acts should be handled by law enforcement. "Everyone makes mistakes, but one should not lose a life over stealing a chicken," he said. He reminded that Indonesia is a country of law, and all alleged offenders must be processed according to regulations. "If everyone thought that way, many people would die just for theft. Our country is a country of law," he added. Sutama admitted to being saddened by the plight of KD's children. However, the family has chosen to accept the incident as a tragedy and does not plan to pursue legal action regarding the lynching. Meanwhile, the Bali Provincial Human Rights Ministry has provided protection to KD's family. Anak Agung Gede Ngurah Dalem, Coordinator of the Bali Provincial Human Rights Ministry Working Area, strongly condemned vigilantism and called for a professional legal process. "We strongly condemn it. On the other hand, we also encourage the legal process to be carried out professionally, transparently, and accountably," he said. Dalem stated that his office is monitoring the situation and coordinating with the police, local government, and relevant parties to ensure the case is handled in accordance with human rights principles. He emphasized that vigilantism is unacceptable as it violates the law and human rights, and causes trauma to the victim's family, especially children who witness such events directly. The Human Rights Ministry encourages the prosecution of those involved while ensuring assistance and protection for the child victim and their family. Dalem reiterated that every citizen has the right to legal protection and treatment that respects human rights. The handling of all alleged criminal acts must be surrendered to law enforcement officials in accordance with applicable provisions. As of now, police are still investigating the cause of KD's death and are delving into the entire sequence of events. Source: Liputan6