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Landowner of Bekasi 'hazardous' sand mound faces criminal charge: Police
The landowner could potentially be charged if it is proven that he was negligent or intentionally used the land to dump toxic and hazardous waste.
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Police cordon off the sand mound in Tarumajaya district, Bekasi regency, where three children suffered severe burn wounds. (kompas.com/Dean Pahrevi)
T
he landowner of a sand mound suspected of containing toxic and hazardous waste in Tarumajaya district, Bekasi regency, could face a criminal charge, say police.
Bekasi Police criminal investigation unit chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Rizal Marito said the landowner could be charged if it was proven that he was negligent or intentionally used the land to store toxic and hazardous waste.
“[The landowner] could be [criminally charged] if, for instance, there is an intention [to dump hazardous waste] or if it was proven that he was negligent,” Rizal said on Wednesday.
The police are investigating the case after three children suffered severe burn wounds after playing on the sand mound on Jan. 10.
“We are waiting on the laboratory results of the soil sample taken from the mound,” he said as quoted by kompas.com.
The police have questioned 14 eyewitnesses, including the landowner.
Rizal said as per the landowner’s testimony, he did not realize that the area was allegedly used to dump toxic and hazardous waste.
“Initial information indicates that the location was not purposely used to dump waste. But we are digging deeper into it,” he added.
Three children -- Muhamad Ramadan, 8, Denda, 9, and Raga, 8 -- suffered severe burns after playing on the sand mound. (sau)
