Police in Boyolali, Central Java, have taken into custody 40‑year‑old Purwadi Wahyudi, who is suspected of killing his mother‑in‑law, Aminah, by lacing homemade chicken satay with rat poison.
According to investigators, Purwadi allegedly ordered the satay on 18 May, then dipped the chicken in toxic chemicals and arranged for the food to be delivered to Aminah’s home via a delivery app, posing as his sister‑in‑law. The victim was discovered the following day, covered in vomit, and her body was exhumed for forensic analysis.
Lab tests revealed signs of poisoning in most of Aminah’s major organs and traces of toxic substances, confirming foul play. The Boyolali police’s criminal investigation unit described the killing as “carefully planned” and noted that Purwadi had used his sister‑in‑law’s name and photo to deceive the delivery driver.
While Purwadi has been detained, he has not yet been formally charged; murder in Indonesia can carry the death penalty or a minimum of 20 years in prison. His case has sparked concern over food safety and domestic tensions within families.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are reviewing the full circumstances, including the role of the delivery app and potential motives tied to familial disrespect.
