Palembang, KOTABARI.COM – South Sumatra Police are facing a series of challenges in uncovering the case of rape against a girl identified as IN (23). The girl is suspected to have been raped repeatedly by a group of men for eight months until she became pregnant. What drew attention was that one of the perpetrators is allegedly the child of a sub-district head in Banyuasin Regency.
Kabid Humas of the South Sumatra Regional Police, Commissioner Sunarto, revealed that the case is still under investigation by the Subdirectorate of Women and Children’s Protection (PPA) within the Criminal Investigation Unit (Ditreskrimum) of the South Sumatra Regional Police. Despite interrogating several witnesses, including from the victim’s family and some suspects, there are still hurdles to overcome.
“We are still questioning witnesses,” Sunarto told Kotabari.com on Wednesday (8/5/2024).
The Director of Criminal Investigation of the South Sumatra Regional Police, Commissioner Anwar Narto, explained that so far, five witnesses have provided statements regarding the case. However, with the reported number of perpetrators reaching ten, including one allegedly being the child of a sub-district head, there are still seven suspect witnesses who have not given their statements.
“This is one of the obstacles because the necessary witnesses have not appeared to provide their statements,” Narto clarified.
Previously, the Director of Criminal Investigation of the South Sumatra Regional Police, Commissioner M. Anwar, stated that they would conduct a case conference regarding this matter to elevate its status from investigation to prosecution. However, as of now, no suspects have been identified in the case.
“It’s still under investigation, so we cannot designate any suspects yet,” Commissioner Anwar stated.
The case of rape against IN remains a top priority for authorities, but challenges in the investigation process and the interrogation of witnesses continue to be obstacles that need to be addressed to conclude this case.