Abused and Extorted for IDR 50 Million, Saiful Dies After Being Arrested by Perpetrators Who Claim to Be Police

The victim was arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs. However, victims are only released if they pay a ransom.

ARSIP KOMPAS

Illustration of the victim

BANDA ACEH, KOMPAS — Saiful Abdullah (51), a resident of Kuta Glumpang Village, Samudera District, North Aceh Regency, Aceh Province, died after being arrested by several men who claimed to be members of the police. The victim was asked for a ransom of IDR 50 million, but the money was returned after the victim died.

Noviana, the daughter of the victim, told reporters on Saturday (4/5/2024) that the incident began when her father was arrested by several individuals who claimed to be members of the Aceh Utara Police's Drug Investigation Unit. Saiful was arrested on charges of having drugs.

Noviana found out that her father was arrested on Monday (29/4/2024). That afternoon, her mother visited the arrest location, which was on a beach in the Samudera district. However, at that time, the perpetrator did not allow Noviana's mother to meet the victim.

The family is trying to free Saiful. Through a colleague named Said, the victim's family received an indication that Saiful would be released if they handed over a cash payment of IDR 50 million.

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"After only a short time at home, my father said that his body was all sore because he was beaten," said Noviana.

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When he arrived home, Saiful was in critical condition. His ears were injured, his nose was bleeding, and his breathing was labored. Saiful was taken to the hospital, but he breathed his last on Tuesday (30/4/2024) at around 1:00 AM local time.

After Saiful's death, the perpetrators handed back Rp. 50 million to Said to pass on to the victim's family.

Following the incident involving Saiful, his family has reported to the Lhokseumawe Police on May 2, 2024 with report number LP/B/91/V/2024 SPKT/Polres Lhokseumawe/Polda Aceh. As known, Samudera sub-district falls under the jurisdiction of Lhokseumawe Police.

Confirmed separately, the Head of North Aceh Police, Adjunct Commissioner General Deden Heksaputera, is not yet willing to provide a statement as he is currently performing the umrah pilgrimage.

KOMPAS/ZULKARNAINI

The urine test results of one of the criminals with a sharp weapon were positive for crystal methamphetamine.

Meanwhile, a request for confirmation through written message to the Head of Public Relations Division of Aceh Regional Police, Commissioner Joko Krisdiyanto, and the Head of Profession and Security Division of Aceh Regional Police, Commissioner Eddwi Kurniyanto, has not yet received a response.

Member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) from Aceh, Sudirman Haji Uma, urged the police to investigate this case thoroughly.

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