Ranchi, Oct 14 (IANS): A railway guard here has accused three Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel of torturing him by driving nails through his hands and feet, making him stand in hot water and beating him black and blue on suspicion of theft.

Dilbodhan, a railway guard in his 40s, was detained by RPF personnel Wednesday night on suspicion of stealing solar lights. He said they let him go Thursday after finding nothing on him.

Talking to reporters at a hospital here Friday, Dilbodhan said: "I was detained Wednesday night on charges of stealing solar lights. They tortured me by nailing my hands and feet. I was forced to stand in hot water. I was also beaten up."

He said he was freed Thursday when the RPF personnel found nothing against him. He was given some money by the RPF men and asked to keep his mouth shut.

Dilbodhan's feet and palms appeared bruised as did his torso. He has been admitted to a hospital in Ranchi. He is yet to lodge an FIR against the accused RPF personnel, but says he will do so once he recovers.

Railway employees Friday demonstrated outside the Divisional Railway Manager's (DRM) office demanding dismissal and arrest of the RPF personnel concerned.

According to a source in the DRM's office, the three RPF personnel accused in the incident have been suspended.