East Nusa Tenggara Police Chief Inspector General Lotharia Latif Removes 4 Police Suspected Of Persecuting Detainees To Death

East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police Chief Inspector General Pol Lotharia Latif gives a statement to reporters in Kupang, Monday. (Kornelis Kaha/Antara)

JAKARTA - East Nusa Tenggara Police Chief Inspector General Lotharia Latif said that he had removed four members of the Katikutana Police, West Sumba Regency, who were suspected of being involved in abusing a detainee to death in his cell.

"The four members who are indicated to be handling the case, have now been removed and I have secured them for questioning at the West Sumba Police," he told reporters in Kupang, reported by Antara, Monday, December 13.

This was conveyed in connection with the development of the case of Arkin's death, a prisoner in the Katikutana Police Cell on Thursday, December 9 after being arrested on Wednesday, December 8 at his uncle's residence.

The Police Chief said that he would not tolerate any member of the Police who was rude to the community, let alone to death.

He said that actually seven people had been investigated in the case. Three of them were picket officers who were on duty at the time of the incident, then four others arrested the victim on Wednesday, December 8.

"I have ordered that these four people be investigated intensively and must be held accountable for what they have done," he added.

He regretted the incident. "I express my deep concern and condolences and regret the incident," he said.

He promised to remain transparent and take firm action against members in accordance with applicable laws for members found to have violated the law.

Lotharia hopes that the community will continue to maintain the security and social order situation so that a conducive situation can be created.