300 people poisoned by mixed liquor, 22 die
Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Salatiga, Central Java | Fri, 04/23/2010 7:49 PM
Out of 300 people, who were poisoned by mixed liquor and treated in hospital in Salatiga, Central Java, 22 have died as of Friday, a police officer said.
Salatiga Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Susetio Cahyadi said that the number of victims would likely increase.
Susetio said that the victims were poisoned by a mixed liquor made by Rusmanadi alias Tius, 41, a resident of Tingkir district in Salatiga.
They bought the liquor at Rp 10,000 (US$1) per liter from Tiur's kiosk on April 16, 2010, Susetio said, adding that one day after consuming it they experienced nausea, breathing difficulties and headaches.
The fatalities began Sunday and the number could possibly rise, he added.
Susetio further said that the police already named Rusmanadi as suspect in the poisoning case and detained him at the Salatiga Police.
Rusmanadi could be charged under Article 80 Paragraph 4 of the 1992 Health Law with a jail sentence of up to 15 years. He could also be charged under Article 204 Paragraph 1 of the criminal law with a jail sentence of up to 15 years or life if victims pass away.
