Bali police exhume body of suspected chicken thief killed by mob

Authorities in Bali have exhumed the body of a man, identified by the initials KD, from Sidetapa Village, Buleleng Regency, who died after being beaten by a mob on suspicion of stealing chickens. The exhumation took place Monday at the Sidetapa Village Traditional Cemetery.

Tabanan Police Chief AKBP I Putu Bayu Pati stated the primary goals of the exhumation are to identify the deceased, establish the precise cause of death, and collect evidence of violence to aid in the pursuit of justice. He emphasized that this process will strengthen the case currently under investigation by the police.

The burial site was cordoned off with police tape, and officers were present to secure the exhumation process. Investigators from the Tabanan Police Criminal Investigation Unit, identification officers, and a forensic medical team were on-site to examine the body.

Previously, Tabanan Police had named five suspects, MJ, WS, KB, ML, and ND, in connection with the mob beating that occurred on Friday, July 24. The victim, KD, was allegedly caught stealing fighting chickens in Baturiti District, Tabanan Regency, and subsequently killed by the angry crowd. Police are handling two separate cases: the alleged theft and the joint assault resulting in death.

The case garnered significant national attention after a video of the victim's young daughter's distraught cries during his funeral went viral on social media, sparking widespread discussion.