UP Man Kills Self After Brother Dies By Suicide Over Alleged Police Torture

Two brothers in Uttar Pradesh died by suicide within two days after alleged harassment by the police in Hathras, officials have said.

Pramod Singh was found hanging from a tree at a village near Agra yesterday, two days after his younger brother Sanjay died by suicide.

Pramod Singh left a note in which he blamed some policemen of harassment. Acting on the family's complaint, the police have launched an investigation against their own and suspended Hariom Agnihotri, while Mukesh Kumar has been transferred to police lines.

It all started when Sanjay Singh was detained by the police on June 9 after his brother-in-law Laxman eloped with a woman in the village.

The family alleges that Sanjay was beaten in the custody and the policemen demanded Rs 1 lakh to from him.

Sanjay was released after he paid Rs 10,000, with a promise that he would pay up Rs 90,000 later, it is learnt.

Distressed over constant harassment and reminders by the police officers, Sanjay died by suicide on June 22, his nephew alleged.

His older brother Pramod, who had been questioned on June 13, was again called for questioning after Sanjay's death.

Pramod wanted to file a complaint about his brother's suicide but the police refused, according to the family.

A day later, Pramod was also found dead.

"Pramod was being warned not to file a complaint about his brother's suicide," a family member said.

With the twin suicides triggering anger and tension in the village, police have increased security and have urged villagers to stay calm.