Investigation into death of man after police arrest

BAC GIANG — Leaders in the northern Bac Giang Province have promised to quickly ascertain the reason for the death of a young man in custody last week.

This was revealed at a press conference yesterday.

Police said Nguyen Van Khuong, 21, had been stopped by traffic police last Friday while driving a motorbike with 20-year-old Pham Thi Ngoan as a pillion passenger.

They were driving along Road 398 in Cao Thuong Town in Tan Yen District when the incident occurred.

Police allege that Khuong, from Hong Thai Commune, Viet Yen District, had violated traffic laws.

Khuong was taken to the district's traffic police station, where he was allegedly found to be in "abnormal health" while sitting on a chair.

He was then sent to Tan Yen District Hospital by the police.

Khuong was reported to have been found dead on arrival at hospital.

His body was released to his family on Saturday morning after examination of the scene and body by provincial police and the People's Procuracy.

Later that day, the national coroner's office conducted an autopsy of the body at his family's request, but the results are yet to be released.

When Khuong's family held a burial service for him on Sunday afternoon, some of the mourners drove the hearse to the provincial People's Committee office.

Six people were later arrested after allegedly knocking down the office's side gate and throwing stones at security guards.

Provincial People's Committee deputy chairman Bui Van Hai said the case would be dealt with in a subjective and honest manner and any violations punished according to law. — VNS