MUMBAI: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Friday announced the suspension of a police official of the Shahada police station in Dhule district in connection with the suicide of a tribal in custody.

Bhujbal's announcement came in the state legislative assembly when the issue of suicide of Dharamsingh Pawra in police custody was raised during question hour.

Earlier, the issue had been raised on August one but the question was with held by the chair after Minister of State for Home Manikrao Thakre failed to offer satisfactory replies to various queries raised by the opposition.

Sena-BJP members had then alleged that the tribal was murdered and his body bore torture marks. They also claimed that Pawra's body, hanging from the ceiling of the police cell, was brought down before 'panchnamma'.

The opposition demanded that a case be filed against the police official. However, the demand was rejected by the home minister. ( PTI )