Angry residents went to the police headquarters because of a rumor that Adi died after being tortured by the police. The clash caused tension in the area and halted activities.

A few hours before his death, Adi allegedly argued with an officer from the Meranti Islands Police’s drug unit, Brig. Adil S. Tambunan, 31, in the parking lot of the Furama Hotel in Selat Panjang. Police said that according to witnesses, Adi was jealous and became angry at Adil for taking a woman to the hotel.

After Adil was stabbed to death in the Furama Hotel parking lot, police said Adi fled to Mekar Sari village in Merbau district.

The police said they arrested Adi at about 3 a.m., but only after they shot him in the legs as he tried to escape.

Meranti Islands Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Asep Iskandar told the gathered residents that Adi tried to escape despite a warning shot. “But we promise to investigate his death and to punish police officers who are proven to be the cause of his death,” Asep said.

Asep’s statement did not appease the anger of hundreds of residents who marched to the police headquarters where an anti-riot squad awaited them. Residents threw rocks and pieces of wood at the police, who threw tear gas grenades back at them.

Riau Police afterwards deployed 50 personnel to guard Meranti Islands.

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