From correspondents in Uttar Pradesh, India, 05:01 PM IST

A murder suspect committed suicide by hanging himself in the lock-up of a police station in Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh, officials said Monday.

The incident was reported from the Panchdevra police station in Hardoi district where the deceased, 18-year-old Maghai, hanged himself with a towel in the wee hours Sunday.

According to police, Maghai was picked up in connection with the murder of a youth in the same locality.

'The youth, Ashok, was shot dead Tuesday and his father has lodged an FIR against Maghai and three others,' superintendent of police, Hardoi, Pradeep Chandra, told IANS.

However, the villagers alleged that Maghai was picked up by the police a couple of days ago and committed suicide to evade continuous torture by the police.

Meanwhile, senior officials have assured strict departmental action against the policemen if found guilty.

'We are investigating the matter,' Chandra added.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)