Srinagar, Sep 30 (IANS): A man allegedly died in police custody Friday after he was called in for questioning along with two other people in connection with allegations of corruption against a local police officer, a source said.

The police source said three people - Muhammad Yusuf Shah, a land dealer belonging to south Kashmir's Bijbehara town; Abdul Salam, a police wireless operator and Muhammad Yusuf, block president of the ruling National Conference from north Kashmir Ganderbal district - were called for questioning by the Crime Branch after complaints about the corrupt practices of Shabir Ahmad, a police officer in the chief minister's security detail.

"Muhammad Yusuf Shah complained of some complication and he was immediately taken to the hospital where he died. The matter is being investigated", police here said.

Shah's relatives staged a protest in the Press Colony here demanding arrest of those responsible for his death. They alleged he had been killed in police custody.

As for Shabir Ahmad, he was transfered to south Kashmir's Kulgam district immediately after the complaint against him was received, police said.