SAMASTIPUR, June 4 -- A 28-year-old under trial prisoner lodged in Samastipur divisional jail died during treatment at Sadar Hospital, triggering protests by his family who alleged that he succumbed to injuries inflicted during his arrest by the excise department. Sudhir Mahto alias Baba, a resident of Bajitpur Karnail village under Shahpur Patori subdivision, was arrested by the Patori excise police team on Saturday in connection with alleged liquor smuggling and was sent to judicial custody the next day. Sudhir's nephew Pappu Mahto said, "My uncle was assaulted both before and after being taken into custody by the excise personnel. There were visible injuries on his body and we also saw blood oozing from his nose at the hospital's emergency ward." Jail authorities denied the allegations. Samastipur divisional jail superintendent Prashant Ojha said Sudhir's health was already poor when he was brought to jail. Ojha said the prisoner was taken to Sadar Hospital where doctors found him to be a chronic alcoholic. After initial treatment, Sudhir was shifted back to the jail hospital ward, where he remained under supervision as he became restless, he added. "On Tuesday, around 9 pm, Sudhir's condition deteriorated sharply after which he was rushed again to Sadar Hospital. However, he died during treatment later that night," said Ojha. The body had been sent for post-mortem examination. Sadar Hospital deputy superintendent Dr Girish Kumar said Sudhir had been treated after being brought from the jail. "Sudden withdrawal from alcohol could have contributed to his death. We await the autopsy report to find the exact cause," he added. Samastipur district magistrate Roshan Kushwaha said a medical board of doctors had been constituted to conduct the postmortem examination. A magistrate will also remain present during the procedure to ensure transparency....