Man Claims To Be TNI Members In Batu Babak Belur City Beaten By Residents For Extorting Villa Owners

Arrested Fake TNI (DOK IST)

KOTA BATU - A man with the initials SP was beaten by residents after blackmailing the owner of a villa in Songgokerto Village, Batu City, East Java. In his action, SP claimed to be a member of the TNI.

From the photos circulating, the middle-aged man looks battered on his face. This incident began when the perpetrator came riding a motorbike to the villa area. He went from villa to villa looking for donations of money with the excuse of celebrating the 71st TNI Anniversary.

After 8 villas were asked for money, the residents became suspicious and reported it to the local Babinsa.

"In total, there are 8 residents whom he has asked for the amount of money that has been collected at Rp435,000," said Batu City Military Commander Abdul Kodir, Thursday, September 30.

After receiving the report, the man was taken into custody by officers. When asked for information and proof of membership, the perpetrator could not show it.

Residents who witnessed were upset and beat the perpetrators until they were battered.

"I don't know if any other money has been collected. I admit that this is the first time," said Danramil.

During the action, the perpetrator admitted to holding the rank of major under the name Suharto Prasetiawan.

Evidence that was secured in the form of cash, a motorcycle and a number of documents of financial records.

"The perpetrators also faked bicycle number plates such as official vehicle plates," he explained.

After that, the perpetrator was handed over to the Batu Police. The police are now investigating the motive for the alleged perpetrator who confessed to being a member of the TNI.

"Later, we will also investigate the parties who have been asked for money. We will investigate it first and we will inform you as soon as possible," said Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of the Batu Police Iptu Yussi Purwanto.