The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday suspended two police officials and ordered a magisterial inquiry into the alleged custodial death of a villager that triggered protests in Rajouri district, official sources said.

A magisterial probe has been ordered and two policemen, including the station house officer, Inspector Showkat Ahmed Malik and havildar Gian Singh, are put under suspension in connection with the custodial killing of Showkat Ali in Rajouri police station yesterday, sources said. The prompt action was taken in view of the government's pledge of zero tolerance on custodial killings in the state.

Showkat Ali was arrested in connection with a theft case on Tuesday night. Ali's family claimed that he was tortured during interrogation resulting in his death in police custody.