Dharwad: An undertrial prisoner lodged in connection with a POCSO case has died under suspicious circumstances at the Dharwad Central Prison, with reports indicating that a death note was found at the scene.

The deceased has been identified as 29-year-old Mahantesh Nagappa Kambar, a resident of a village in Lakshmeshwara taluk in neighbouring Gadag district.

According to initial information, he was in judicial custody in connection with a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Sources said a purported death note was recovered, though its contents have not been disclosed. The circumstances surrounding the death have raised concerns, with family members expressing suspicion and demanding a thorough investigation.

A case has been registered at the Dharwad Sub-Urban Police Station, and police have initiated further legal proceedings. Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of death.