'We were carrying over Rs.15,000 and the police snatched the money before beating us,' Chote added.

'A case of murder has been lodged against the station officer of Bhojipura Rahul Shukla and constable Rampal. They are absconding after the incident and we hope to nab them soon,' Deputy Inspector General (Bareilly) N.K. Srivastava told IANS over phone.

'We have also been informed that they took money before beating the men. The matter is being probed,' he added.

Angry family members and residents of Prehladpur village blocked roads to protest the killing and demanded strict action against the police officials.