KASUR, Jan 22: A suspected robber who was caught with injuries died of alleged police torture late on Sunday at the Kasur District Jail. Three accused — Mushtaq, Amar and Hasnat — were caught by villagers in a robbery bid on Jan 18. Later, the villagers handed them over to Chunnian police, which took them to the district headquarters hospital for treatment. Later, the accused were shifted to the district jail hospital where police tortured them instead of providing any medical aid. On Sunday night, Mushtaq gave in to his injuries. District and Sessions Court Judge Zaidul Hussain asked Civil Judge Chaudhry Amar Manzoor to probe into the death.

The inquiry report stated: “Mushtaq died of torture by jail staff.” The report also said that no doctor was present at the hospital when the accused died. The remaining two accused were shifted to the Lahore General Hospital, a source said. Jail authorities denied charges and said Mushtaq’s death was natural.

Human rights organisations condemned the attitude of jail authoritis.