Bengaluru, 3 Dec

Four policemen have been suspended in connection with the death of a Dalit man, 22, at a rehabilitation centre near here, days after he was allegedly tortured in Bengaluru police’s custody, an official said on Wednesday.

Darshan PG, a resident of Viveknagar here, died on 26 November. An inspector, a constable and two officials of the Viveknagar police station were suspended on Tuesday.

"The case is now being investigated by the CID," the senior police officer said.

The deceased’s mother said in her complaint that her son Darshan, was detained by the police on 12 November for allegedly creating public nuisance after consuming alcohol.

On 16 November, he was sent to a rehabilitation centre on the outskirts of Bengaluru as per his mother's request, another senior police officer said.

“She alleged that police took Rs 7,500 for admission and transferred Darshan directly to the rehabilitation centre. However, she was not allowed to speak or meet her son. The authorities said he was fine, the mother alleged in her complaint,” he said.

On 26 November, she said that she was informed that her son had died due to respiratory problems, but there were torture marks on his body. She said she suspected that he was tortured by the police, leading to his death later at the rehabilitation centre, he added.