Vienna, Sep 17 - The death of an Indian asylum seeker who was on hunger strike has led to growing human rights concerns here over the plight of illegal immigrants who have been detained in Austria. The authorities said that there are 19 people of Indian origin in preventive detention.

Human rights activists here say that detainees are treated worse than criminals and that one in every three prisoner is on hunger strike.

'Conditions in preventive detention worse than prison,' screams a headline in the prestigious local daily Die Presse.

The focus of criticism is on inadequate medical care and legal advice available to detainees.

Johann Golob, senior spokesperson of the Austrian Police, told IANS that there are 19 people of Indian origin detained here as illegal immigrants. They are awaiting deportation and that seven are on hunger strike.

Gaganpreet Singh, an illegal immigrant, died in preventive detention Sep 14 after announcing his hunger strike Aug 7.

According to Golob, Gaganpreet was living in Austria illegally since 2006 under a false name and age.