A 26-year-old man taken into police custody in connection with the death of a person two days ago died in a private hospital this evening, with his relatives alleging that he died of torture.
Police however rejected the allegation of torture, saying he was suspected to have suffered injuries during a clash before he was taken into custody.
Sreejith was admitted to the hospital yesterday, hospital sources said.
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission Acting Chairman P Mohanadas had earlier in the day visited Sreejith, who had been put on ventilator after an emergency surgery.
A Commission release, quoting hospital authorities, said Sreejith suffered 'grievous internal wounds in his stomach' and was brought to Aster Medicity hospital.
The hospital authorities said Sreejith died this evening.
Sreejith's wife told the Commission she was witness to the 'torture' after policemen in mufti took him into custody from their residence at Varapuzha, about 24 km from here.
Taking serious note of the incident, the Commission directed the Sub Inspector of police station in that town to appear before it on April 23.
It also directed police to file a report after conducting an inquiry by the officer in the rank of Superintendent of Police into the incident.
Some people, including Sreejith, were taken into custody in connection with the death of a 55-year-old man, who was found hanging in his house after a group of miscreants attacked his home on Friday morning.
BJP has called for a dawn to dusk hartal in the area tomorrow alleging police torture had led to his death.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)