Man drowns in pond while escaping police custody in Bihar

PATNA: A man died after drowning in a pond while allegedly trying to escape police custody in Bihar's Khagaria district, officials said on Saturday.The incident took place at Sabalpur village under the Morkahi police station area.According to police, officers had detained two men late on Friday on allegations of creating a law and order problem and hindering government work.During the operation, one of the accused reportedly escaped from police custody and jumped into a pond situated inside a temple compound.Police immediately began a search for the man but were unable to locate him in the darkness. The officers later returned to the police station with the second accused, police said.The man's body was later found by local villagers, who brought it to the police station and held a protest there.Senior police officials reached the spot, spoke to the protesters and brought the situation under control. Necessary action was subsequently initiated, according to the police statement.The body has been sent to Khagaria Sadar Hospital for a post-mortem examination.Khagaria Superintendent of Police, Rakesh Kumar, said a detailed investigation into the incident is in progress.