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Brigadier IH detained 20 days after ex-wife's death
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Indonesia /Crime & Justice

Brigadier IH detained 20 days after ex-wife's death

From CNN Indonesia · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Police Brigadier IH faces 20 days in special detention for mishandling his firearm in the death of his ex-wife, WL.
  • The incident occurred in Medan, where WL was found dead from a gunshot wound in a locked bathroom.
  • Authorities are investigating the case, with initial findings suggesting suicide, but the handling of the weapon remains a point of disciplinary action.

A police brigadier, identified only as IH, has been placed in special detention for 20 days by the North Sumatra Regional Police. The disciplinary action stems from his alleged mishandling of a firearm in connection with the death of his ex-wife, WL, in Medan.

So there are rules and the Polda Sumut Propam knows best. This has been processed, that the person concerned is currently placed in special detention for 20 days due to the carelessness of the person concerned in securing the firearm.

โ€” Kombes Cornelis Mangarahon SimanjuntakExplaining the reason for Brigadier IH's special detention.

Kombes Cornelis Mangarahon Simanjuntak, Director of General Criminal Investigation at the North Sumatra Police, stated that IH was deemed not careful enough in securing and storing his service weapon. This lapse in procedure led to the decision for special detention, a measure handled by the police's internal affairs division.

The weapon in question is confirmed to be IH's property, and its acquisition followed standard operating procedures, according to Medan Police Chief Kombes Pol Jean Calvijn Simanjuntak. The firearm's active status is still valid.

Regarding the use of firearms, until now the firearm is indeed the property of witness IH and the process of acquiring it was in accordance with existing SOPs and the firearm's period is still active until now.

โ€” Kombes Pol Jean Calvijn SimanjuntakConfirming the ownership and procedural acquisition of the firearm.

WL, 30, was discovered deceased on August 2, 2026, in her home in Medan Helvetia. Police reported that she was found in a bathroom locked from the inside, with preliminary findings indicating suicide by gunshot. IH and their child were reportedly outside the bathroom at the time of the incident. The firearm was found outside the bathroom when officers arrived, though IH stated it was in the victim's hand before he retrieved it.

Yesterday I already explained that the firearm, based on the crime scene, was already outside the bathroom. And at that time, it was last taken by witness IH, it was precisely in the victim's hand.

โ€” Kombes Pol Jean Calvijn SimanjuntakClarifying the location of the firearm when police arrived and the witness's account.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.