Indian policeman beaten to death

A Calcutta policeman has died of injuries sustained on New Year's Eve when he intervened to stop several fellow officers molesting a woman.

The dead policeman, Bapi Sen, was beaten unconscious with sticks and iron bars after he discovered the woman being harassed by his colleages.

The woman fled during the attack and has not been found.

Five policemen have been arrested.

The incident has led to an opposition call for an inquiry by the Indian federal police.

Correspondents say the West Bengal police, who cover Calcutta, have been frequently criticised in recent years for indiscipline.