Man dies while fleeing police; associates cry foul

A man allegedly involved in more than 30 cases today died while trying to flee during questioning, police claimed and denied allegations that he died of torture.
H Sheikh Allaudin and his associates were arrested today in connection with robbing a man of his cash and gold ring near here last night, they said.
Allaudin was released on bail yesterday in connection with another case.
Police said the victim had identified the trio, following which they were arrested.
Allaudin, involved in 32 cases, was being questioned at the jail in Erwady when he tried to escape. Policemen began chasing him but he lost balance and suffered grievous injuries after falling. Later, he died, police claimed.

However, his two associates said Allaudin died of torture at the lock up while being questioned, a charge police have denied, saying a probe would be held into his death case.
A strong police contingent had been deployed at the government hospital here where Alladudin's body was kept for post-mortem as a precautionary measure.