Kuta Selatan, Bali – Chepurko Artem, a 33-year-old Russian national, has been named as the prime suspect in the assault of a local Balinese man, I Gede Bakta Suarsana. The South Kuta Police Criminal Investigation Unit has officially designated Chepurko as a suspect, and he is currently under detention while further inquiries are conducted.

According to Kuta Selatan Police Chief Kompol I Nyoman Karang Adiputra, the assault on Suarsana, a resident of Karangasem, occurred on June 27, 2023, along Jalan Uluwatu 9A in Jimbaran, Kuta Selatan.

The altercation began when Suarsana’s girlfriend attempted to get the attention of a friend of the suspect who had parked their vehicle at the location. Observing this, Chepurko grew agitated and engaged in a verbal dispute with Suarsana’s girlfriend. In defense of his partner, Suarsana intervened, which further escalated the situation.

As tensions flared, Chepurko allegedly lost his temper, physically assaulting Suarsana by choking him and striking him with his bare hands. Kompol Karang Adiputra stated, “As a result of the attack, the victim suffered neck pain and facial bruising.”

The incident gained widespread attention on social media platforms, prompting Suarsana to report it to the South Kuta Police. Under the leadership of Kanit Reskrim Iptu Nur Habib Auliya, S.Tr.K, S.I.K, M.H, the Criminal Investigation Unit of the South Kuta Police successfully apprehended Chepurko at his residence in Villa Puri Bendesa, Ungasan, Kuta Selatan, Badung, on Tuesday, September 8, 2023.

Chepurko now faces charges under Article 351 paragraph (1) of the Indonesian Criminal Code, which pertains to assault, carrying a maximum penalty of 2.8 years of imprisonment. He will remain in custody at the South Kuta Police Detention Center for the next 20 days, as confirmed by Kompol Karang Adiputra.

This incident underscores the power of social media in bringing attention to acts of violence and wrongdoing. Balinese authorities are committed to upholding the law and ensuring justice is served in this case, seeking resolution and accountability that satisfies both the victim and the accused.