India, Sept. 11 -- A 35-year-old man died while undergoing treatment after his health deteriorated in police custody at Champa police station in Chhattisgarh's Janjgir-Champa district, prompting protests by his family and locals, who alleged that he was assaulted and tortured in custody.

In an order issued on Friday, the Janjgir-Champa Superintendent of Police said constable Ishwari Rathore, posted at Champa police station, had been suspended with immediate effect for alleged gross negligence and indiscipline. Rathore was attached to the Reserve Centre, Janjgir, during the suspension period and will be entitled to a subsistence allowance as per rules.

The deceased, Shiv Sahis alias Maniram Sahis, a resident of Mehendipara, was detained ...