A man accused in a case filed over an alleged attempt to rape a seven-year-old child died while in police custody in Faridganj upazila of Chandpur on Thursday.

The deceased was identified as Mizanur Rahman, 55, a resident of Babur Bari in Kairatali village of the upazila.

Police said a case had recently been filed against Mizanur over an alleged attempt to rape the child. He was arrested from his home on Thursday morning in connection with the case.

On the way to the police station, Mizanur reportedly fell ill. Police immediately took him to Faridganj Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead.

Dr Asaduzzaman Jewel, health and family planning officer of the health complex, said Mizanur had died before he was brought to the hospital. No injury marks were found on his body, and doctors suspected that he died of a heart attack.

Additional Superintendent of Police of Chandpur Md Lutfar Rahman said the accused became sick after his arrest and police rushed him to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

However, Mizanur’s family made a different allegation regarding his death.

The deceased’s relative Mamun Patwari claimed that a group led by Moshfiqur Rahman Imu, Asif Bhuiyan and Kalu Mia of Kairatali village had been demanding Tk 5 lakh in extortion from Mizanur for several days.

He alleged that police arrested Mizanur without proper investigation due to the group’s influence and subjected him to mental harassment. The family claimed that he died unable to bear the social stigma and psychological pressure over the rape attempt allegation.

Officer-in-Charge of Faridganj Police Station Mohammad Ershad Ullah said the body would be handed over to the family after completing legal procedures.