Aman reportedly employed as sweeper at an Agra police station has died while in custody leading to an uproar in the city. The man identified as Arun was accused in a theft case, in which Rs 25 lakh were stolen from Malkhana of an Agra police station. He had been detained by the police in connection with the case.

His death in police custody evoked an angry response from the Valmiki community members leading to registration of a fresh case under Section 302 (relating to murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) by the Agra police.

Unknown persons were made accused in the death case. The police assured the Valmiki community members of an impartial inquiry into the death.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav called Arun’s custodial death a pre-planned murder by the police. He demanded strict action against the guilty policemen.

Arun had been missing since the theft, reported on Saturday, at the Jagdishpura police station. He was taken into custody on Tuesday. Arun used to come to the police station to clean and had allegedly fled after the theft drawing police’s suspicion.

The police searched for the accused and apprehended him on Tuesday. The police reportedly recovered about Rs 10 lakh of the stolen cash from his house. The police claimed that Arun had been hiding in the Tajganj area. He had shaved his head to escape the police.

Talking to India Today, Agra SSP Muniraj G said that the sweeper Arun had admitted to having committed theft. The police said they were questioning him to locate rest of the stolen money when his condition suddenly deteriorated on Tuesday night. The police took him to the hospital, where he was declared brought dead.

The news of his death created a stir among the Valmiki community members. Police suspect bigger mobilisation by the Valmiki community. The police force was put on alert to tackle an anticipated protest from the community.