Offical probe into Bihar prison deaths

The authorities in the eastern Indian state of Bihar have ordered a probe into the killing of six prisoners when police put down a revolt at a jail in Chhapra on Saturday. One of the injured inmates died today.

The revolt began on Thursday.

The police say they opened fire to disperse about 1,000 prisoners who took control of the district jail in a protest against plans to transfer some inmates to another institution.

The Divisional Commissioner of Chhapra, Panchal Lal, said the police gave warnings, used teargas, and fired warning rounds before the fatal shootings.

Last month, eleven prisoners escaped from Jamui jail after setting off bombs.

Correspondents say Bihar is one of India's most lawless states and the prisons are severely overcrowded.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service