The police have named 14 of the total 85 attackers suspects as they were believed to have caused the primary damage to the restaurant. Most of the suspects are HKBP Nomensen University students, while others include unemployed locals, traditional alcoholic beverage vendors and street musicians.

North Sumatra Police chief Insp.Gen.Syarief Gunawan said the number of suspects may increase as questioning of those arrested continued.

'I have asked Medan Police chief Adj.Sr.Comr Nico Afinta to handle the case thoroughly. All of them should face due process. If proven guilty, they should be punished,' Syarief told journalists on Tuesday.

Hundreds of students joined by local residents attacked the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlet, an American fast-food restaurant, located in front of HKBP Nomensen University on Jl.Sutomo on Monday evening. The anarchy began shortly after the House announced its approval of the revised state budget.

The uncontrollable mob looted food in the restaurant and damaged its facilities, including three LCD televisions and three laptops. They also set alight three of the outlet's delivery motorbikes.

The university's rector, Jongkers Tampubolon, said he very much regretted the behavior among his students, who had lost control when protesting the imminent fuel-price hike. He said, however, that he supported the measures being taken by the police to curb such behavior. (fan/ebf)

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