Bali: Bali police have arrested two individuals in connection with a deadly shooting incident that resulted in the death of an Australian and left another seriously injured. The tragic event unfolded just after midnight on Saturday when two men broke into a villa in Munggu, located in the southern region of the popular Indonesian tourist island.
According to BBC, one suspect was apprehended in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, while the other was detained abroad. However, police have not disclosed further details regarding the locations or circumstances of the arrests. At the crime scene, authorities collected 17 bullet casings, two intact projectiles, and 55 bullet fragments. Australian media have circulated images depicting the villa, showcasing bullet holes in the windows and blood stains on the floor.
Witnesses have reported to the police that the assailants communicated in English, exhibiting strong Australian accents. Descriptions from the witnesses highlighted that one of the attackers donned an orange jacket paired with a dark helmet, while the other was seen wearing a dark green jacket, a black mask, and a dark helmet. Notably, one of the individuals was heard saying, "I can't start my bike," before eventually managing to flee the scene on a scooter.
Bali police continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting but have not provided additional details concerning the arrests made on Monday. Australian media have linked Mr. Ghanim, one of the involved parties, to a past relationship with the step-daughter of the late Carl Williams, a notable figure in Melbourne's underworld. Furthermore, reports indicate that Mr. Ghanim served jail time following a non-fatal shooting incident in Melbourne in 2014.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police informed the BBC of their awareness regarding the fatal shooting in Bali and affirmed that their investigators are prepared to offer support to partner agencies throughout the ongoing investigation. The incident took place in the tourist-heavy district of Badung, an area renowned for its beaches such as Kuta and Canggu. Despite its international appeal and the influx of millions of visitors each year, violent crime remains relatively rare in Bali.