Police Investigate Elements Of Negligence In The Case Of Gajah Seruk Pawang In Bali Safari

Gianyar Resort Police Chief AKBP Umar/ANTARA/Rolandus Nampu

The Gianyar Resort Police Criminal Investigation Unit, Bali, investigated the element of negligence in the incident of an elephant attacking an employee to death at Bali Safari and Marine Park, Gianyar Regency, Bali.

Gianyar Police Chief AKBP Umar said investigators were temporarily examining expert witnesses to investigate whether there was a criminal element in the incident.

"Yes, it came in that direction, why did this (his elephant attacked the officer). That's why there are expert witnesses. Investigations are still ongoing," said Umar when asked about the investigation process of alleged negligence from the management, Wednesday, October 2.

In this case, he said, investigators had summoned an expert witness from the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA). An expert from the BKSDA was asked for information to explain why an elephant went berserk, killing an officer named Komang Resi Yasa (27).

"Regarding the occurrence of the elephant, why did it attack? This is an animal. That is the authority of the BKSDA," said Umar when asked about the examination material from the BKSDA.

In addition to experts, investigators have also examined other witnesses consisting of the family, employees and management of Bali Safari and Marine Park.

"We have actually examined the victim's family. We have also conveyed the incident, while there has been no response from the victim's family," he said, quoted by ANTARA.

The incident of the elephant attacking the officer occurred on Tuesday (17/9) at around 09.00 WITA. Initially the victim and his two colleagues Suwoko and Gilang Ramadhon were about to pay for an elephant named Gandi.

Witness Suwoko himself was riding an elephant while two of his colleagues including the victim were at a distance of 10 meters. Witness Suwoko (38) said that usually the elephant relaxes while eating.

At the time of accounting, Gandi gave a different and aggressive movement and looked at the victim. Witness Suwoko tried to control the elephant and told the victim to run away from the elephant.

However, when trying to run, the victim's leg stumbled and fell and was hit by an elephant many times.

As a result of the incident, the victim suffered injuries to the thigh, shoulder and left chest.

Meanwhile, the management of Bali Safari and Marine Park stated that the Indonesian Safari Park as a wildlife conservation institution based on education, research and recreation, expressed deep sorrow for the family and promised to provide full support to the families of the victims.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and all those who know him. The Bali Safari Park will continue to provide support to the families left behind during this mourning period," he said.