Man dies in police custody, angry locals demonstrate

A man today died under mysterious circumstances in police custody, triggering protest infront of Bauria police station in Howrah district with the agitators alleging that he was beaten to death by policemen, a charge denied by the department.
Locals thrashed Sheikh Maidul, ransacked his house for allegedly molesting a 13-years-old girl last night at Panchline locality and then handed him over to police, Additional Superintendent of Police Sukhendu Heera said.
When his condition deteriorated, he was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, he said.
Local people, however, said that Maidul had gone to Bauria police station to file a complaint against some persons after a scuffle with them over money-related matter.

But the police beat him up in the lock up leading to his death, they said.
The allegation of the local people would be probed, the Additional SP said.
A large number of local people gathered infront of the Bauria police station today and demanded action against the policemen.
Heera said a large contingent of police was deployed there which brought the situation under control.