Map: Balinese man Nyoman Pastika was reportedly decaptiated in Sausu, Central Sulawesi, where he had been residing.
Coordinated search efforts between military and police forces with the local community in the mountainous forest of Baturiti, Sausu, Central Sulawesi, have finally located the head of a 70-year-old Balinese man who was reportedly beheaded on Sunday.
The family, practicing Hindus who previously migrated to Sulawesi, are now relieved that the remains of I Nyoman Astika can be laid to rest in entirety, reports Tribun Bali.
Gede Eko Purna, 31, says his father’s head was taken to a hospital to be put with his body and the funeral ceremony for him will be held on Thursday in Gitgit Sari Village, Central Sulawesi.
The hunt for Astika’s murderers is still on. The slain man’s wife, Ni Made Kantri, 65, told police her husband was attacked and beheaded in their garden by five masked, unidentified men on Sunday. The men came around 1pm and were carrying rifles, pistols, and axes, Kantri says. Two of the men restrained Kantri, while three took Astika, purportedly to behead him.
“According to the witness (the victim’s wife), there were five perpetrators. At that moment, the victim’s wife did not go out of the pondok, but her husband was pulled out and decapitated,” Central Sulawesi police chief Idham Azis said, as quoted by Tribun Bali.
Parigi Moutong (Parimo) regency’s police chief Novia Jaya says the investigation continues as police have not determined yet who is responsible, though Tribun Bali referenced allegations that terrorists, Parimo Santoso, may be the perpetrators.
