The Bandung Police have made significant progress in investigating the tragic beating of 23-year-old Persija Jakarta fan, Haringga Sirila, before a Persib vs Persija match on Sunday. Eight Persib Bandung supporters have been identified as suspects in the case.
The crime unit chief of the Bandung Police, Adjutant Senior Commissioner M. Yoris Maulana, disclosed in a statement that out of the sixteen individuals detained, eight have been designated as suspects. The suspects have been identified only by their initials: B, 41, GA, 20, CG, 20, AA, 19, SMR, 17, DFA, 16, and JS, 31. However, the possibility exists that more suspects will be named as the investigation continues.
The tragic events unraveled at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium when Haringga, accompanied by a local friend, was confronted by a group of Persib fans reportedly checking for non-Bandung ID cards. This led to a tense situation, during which Haringga, who held a Jakarta ID card, was pursued and surrounded by the mob of Persib fans.
The violence escalated, resulting in Haringga being fatally beaten at the scene. The police revealed that some attackers used their hands and feet, while others utilized objects such as wooden planks and helmets. One detainee, Dadang Suptriatna, confessed that he participated in the beating because he saw others doing it and felt compelled to follow suit.
In response to the incident, the Bandung Police are actively seeking additional suspects and cooperating with the Persib club management and the Viking Persib fan club to assist in their investigation. The severity of the situation has been underscored by charging the suspects under Article 170 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to attacking and injuring others and carries a maximum prison sentence of 12 years.
The head of the Viking Persib Club, Heru Joko, expressed deep regret over the tragic death of Haringga. He issued an apology and disavowed any involvement or encouragement of such violent actions. Joko also pledged the club’s full support for any law enforcement measures taken by the police.
This regrettable incident has garnered widespread attention and condemnation. The loss of a young life in such a brutal manner has shocked the community and raised concerns about fan violence in football. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for measures to prevent such tragic events from occurring in the future.
The news has sparked discussion on the importance of sportsmanship and fair play, not only on the field but also in the stands. The focus is now on seeking justice for Haringga and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
The investigation into this tragic event is ongoing, and there is hope for closure for the family and loved ones of Haringga. It is imperative that the authorities continue to pursue the case diligently and that the perpetrators face the full consequences of their actions. Let us stand together in condemning such acts of violence and strive to uphold the values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence in sporting events.
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