He demanded money from us and on our refusal, some constables accompanying him started beating Nandlal with sticks, and he died.'

However, the police denied the claim.

'In a bid to escape the police, the motorcycle slipped and Nandlal fell into a ditch adjacent to the road. It is probably due to the injuries that he died,' Shail Kumar claimed.

The post-mortem examination report, released Thursday evening, revealed that the deceased had consumed alcohol before the incident and the body bore no ante-mortem injury marks.

However, Deputy Inspector General Chandra Prakash told IANS: 'The matter will be probed and those found guilty will be punished. Besides, action will also be taken against those who attacked and injured the policeman.'

Meanwhile, the accused cops are yet to be suspended as the charges against them are yet to be proved.