Bhopal, July 10 - Seven policemen in Madhya Pradesh's Guna district have been suspended for allegedly harassing and torturing a boy during interrogation in a theft case, an official said Friday.

'The action was taken against them as the boy was injured during police investigation,' said Guna Police Superintendent G.P. Uikey.

The boy, Sanu, was summoned to the police station July 5 for interrogation in connection with a theft of Rs.500,000 from the residence of medical practitioner R.D. Mishra.

Police allegedly tortured him, causing injury to his private parts. Although the boy initially confessed the crime, he later denied his involvement in the theft.

On the complaint of local legislator Rajendra Saluja, Inspector General of Police (Gwalior) Arvind Kumar directed Assistant Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Singh to probe the incident and submit his report.

The policemen's conduct was found suspicious, said Uikey.

The police personnel suspended are traffic inspector Rajesh Tomar, head constable Uttam Singh, and constables Santosh Tiwari, Vinod Tiwari, Anil Chaturvedi, Mahendra Singh and Deepak Tomar.