India's 'big bull' dies

One of India's most controversial stockbrokers, Harshad Mehta, has died in police custody in Bombay, where he was being held for investigations into severe financial irregularities.

Bombay police said Mr Mehta had died of a heart attack after being taken to hospital when he complained of chest pains.

Harshad Mehta was at the centre of India's worst financial scandal nearly 10 years ago, which led to a big fall in the stock markets and huge losses to both Indian and foreign banks.

Known as the Big Bull on the Bombay stock market, Harshad Mehta was accused of widespread manipulation of the markets to his own advantage.

He also accused the then Indian prime minister, Narasimha Rao, of taking bribes from him for government favours.

Mr Rao strongly denied the allegations.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service