MANSEHRA, June 4: Hundreds of people blocked the road here on Monday in protest against the alleged murder of a man in police custody, witnesses said. Zahir Shah, who was picked up by police in connection with the murder of a girl, died in police custody on Sunday, but police claimed that he had committed a suicide in the lock-up.

The protesters alleged that the Saddar Police Station officials had demanded Rs5,000 bribe from the family to set Zahir Shah free, but the family failed to arrange the amount. Police allegedly tortured the victim to death.

As the news of the death of the suspect reached the area, announcements were made on loudspeakers from local mosques, asking the people to come out to protest against the brutal act of police.

Chanting anti-government and anti-police slogans, the protesters placed the body of the victim on the main road in Khaki, blocking the road for all vehicular traffic for more than one hour. They demanded registration of an FIR against police officials.