Gangsters create mayhem at pagoda

Police in Toeuk Vel commune in Kandal province's Sa Ang district said last week they arrested one of a group of gangsters who disrupted a Pchum Ben ceremony at a local pagoda during which members of the clergy, including a monk and a nun, fled for fear of danger. The melee began when the group of gangsters entered a pagoda dining hall and attacked a youth attending the ceremony with his parents.

KAMPUCHEA THMEY

Man jailed in rice field death match

One man was killed and another arrested last week in what police say was a pre-arranged fight in a rice field in Kampong Thma commune in Kampong Thom province's Santuk district. The dead man was identified as Tha Khom Khean, 23, but the second combatant remains unidentified. Police said they think the cause of the death match was the result of a drunken dispute.

KAMPUCHEA THMEY

Man takes sword to birthing wife

A pregnant woman sustained severe injuries on Monday after her husband attacked her with a samurai sword after she went into labour in Stung Kach commune, Pailin city, police said. The victim, Che Phy, 38, delivered the baby but remains in critical condition in a local hospital. Police arrested the husband, identified as Sim Yan, 40.

RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

Man arrested in hammer killing

Police in Poipet on Monday arrested Hun Hoeun, 35, on suspicion of killing Soeun Ram, 61, in Poipet city. Police said the woman died of severe head trauma, and that a blood-soaked hammer had been recovered from the suspect's house.

RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

Bandits maul owner of grocery store

An unknown number of bandits robbed a grocery store in Poipet town, Banteay Meanchey province, last week, during which they severely beat the owner. The owner's husband, Phean Po, said he could not say how many attackers were involved in the robbery, and that his wife remained unconscious. Police said they have not yet identified any suspects.

KOH SANTEPHEAP