However, Arakh’s family and friends alleged that he died after he was severely beaten up by the police and his body was later  dumped on the railway tracks to make it appear as an accident.

On the basis of a complaint filed by the deceased’s brother, Rakesh Kumar, an FIR has been registered against the entire staff of Manikpur police station, including the SHO, all sub-inspectors, and constables.

No arrest has been made yet.

According to the police, on Sunday, Arakh was apprehended for allegedly causing a disturbance during a Muharram procession in the Arya Nagar locality. Police found him in a semi-clad condition.

Two constables were tasked with escorting Arakh to the Manikpur police station.

Upon arrival, Arakh was handed over to another police constable. However, before his detention could be officially recorded, Arakh managed to escape from the station, said police.

“He fled while the police personnel were occupied with other duties. He escaped just 10-12 minutes after his arrival,” said a police officer. Late at night, the police received information about a body found on a railway track nearly 10 km from the police station.

On being alerted, a police team arrived at the railway track and secured the body, which was identified as Arakh by his brother Rakesh Kumar the next day.

Subsequently, several persons, including the victim’s relatives and friends, staged a protest outside the hospital where the body was kept, demanding action against the policemen involved.

Chitrakoot Circle Officer Jai Karan said they are scrutinising footage of the CCTV installed at the police station.

“In the footage, Arakh is seen coming out of the station alone. We are also studying the statement of the train driver who reported the incident at the railway station,” he said, adding that Arakh had criminal cases against him.

Superintendent of Police Arun Kumar Singh has suspended SHO Vinod Shukla and three constables on charges of negligence.