P

olice involvement in the relocation of Mount Sinabung evacuees to Lingga village, Karo regency, reportedly led to brawls that claimed one life.

The conclusion was reached in a report issued on Monday by the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence’s (Kontras) North Sumatra chapter.

Kontras’ North Sumatra operational head Amin Multazam said its investigation found evidence indicating that police backed the construction company that built housing for the relocation project in Lingga village.

Amin added that the police’s involvement could be seen in the presence of a police post in the relocation area.

Amin questioned the relevance of the police post, which was rejected by residents. Amin said Lingga villagers had protested the presence of the post, and were then provoked by police arrogance. As a result, he added, a clash between residents and police left one person dead and dozens injured.