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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Crime & Justice

Padang Police dismiss 'ghostly robber' rumors causing public unease

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Police in Padang, West Sumatra, have debunked rumors of a "pocong begal" (ghostly robber) that have been circulating on social media.
  • Investigations found no evidence to support the claims, which spread through chain messages.
  • Authorities urge the public not to panic and to contact emergency services if needed, while police patrols have been increased.

The Padang City Police in West Sumatra have urged the public to disregard rumors of a "pocong begal" that have recently caused unease among residents. Kompol M Yasin, Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit, stated on Friday that the circulating stories, spread via social media chain messages, are unfounded.

Yasin explained that police have investigated the claims, gathering information from residents who reported sightings or knowledge of the "pocong begal." However, the investigation yielded no evidence to substantiate these accounts. "It's all just rumors circulating by word of mouth without a clear origin," Yasin said.

The police are encouraging residents to remain calm and to be vigilant in maintaining community safety. They also reminded the public to utilize the free emergency hotline, 110, for any assistance. To proactively address potential security issues, the Polresta Padang has deployed its "Tim Klewang" unit for increased night patrols, aiming to prevent future disturbances in the city of nearly one million people.

It's all just rumors circulating by word of mouth without a clear origin.

— Kompol M YasinThe Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of Polresta Padang dismissed the circulating rumors.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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