Inp.polri.go.id - Situbondo. The Situbondo Sub-regional Police in East Java are investigating a disturbing case involving four minors allegedly setting a 10-year-old boy on fire.

“Each of the children has been questioned with parental supervision and reenacted their actions in the presence of investigators,” said Inspector Agung Hartawan, the Head of the Situbondo Criminal Investigation Unit, on Tuesday (13/5/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

The boy, identified as AQ,  suffered serious burns to his face, arms, chest, and abdomen. The incident occurred Monday in front of one of the suspects’ homes, shortly after the victim left his house to buy food.

According to reports, one of the boys allegedly threw a bottle containing ethanol or spiritus before setting the victim alight. The boy is now being treated in the ICU of Situbondo’s regional hospital.

The police’s women and child protection unit (PPA) is leading the investigation. All suspects are of elementary school age and remain under parental supervision during the inquiry.