Apriadi Gunawan, Medan – A police station commander in Simalungun, Sumatera Utara, has been beaten to death by a mob during a vice raid, police have said.

The slain officer, Dolok Pardamean precinct commander Adj. Comr. Andar Yones Siahaan, was leading a raid on a house searching for a suspected gambler when the suspect's wife reportedly called the officers thieves, Simalungun Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Andi Syariful Taufik said.

In a common practice in Indonesia, a crowd was attracted by the woman's shouts and attacked the officers, assuming they were thieves.

In the mayhem, Andar was killed. Three other officers escaped. Police have detained people from the mob for questioning. (nai/dic)