LAWYERS representing a fugitive who died in police custody in India are calling for action against anyone found to be 'directly or indirectly' responsible.

Ajay Kaushal, 50, dubbed Lancashire's most wanted man after going on the run for five years, had raised concerns about his treatment at Sada Jail in Goa, his solicitors said.

Kaushal, who fled while on trial for the kidnapping and torture of Burnley businessman Alec Cunningham, was found dead at the prison two weeks ago. The cause of death is unknown, although India police have ruled out suicide and indicated diabetes may have been to blame.

His lawyer, Rajeev Gomes has written to South Goa district magistrate asking for an immediate and impartial investigation.

He has also demanded action against anyone who may be 'directly or indirectly responsible'.

Mr Gomes told the Times of India: "For one-and-a-half-months, Kaushal was complaining to me, as well as to the court, that the Indian authorities were not expediting the extradition process, and that he was unnecessarily being detained.

"He was anxious and looking forward to participating in the extradition process. I, therefore, find his sudden death very suspicious."

Mr Gomes also said Kashual had wanted to write a letter of complaint about his treatment Referring to his alleged medical condition, he added: "I knew he was taking medication for knee and back pain. But I am not sure he was a diabetic. He never mentioned it to me."

Kaushal's death death came five months after his friend Scott Youdale died of a drugs overdose in Goa. Police were alerted to Kaushal's wanted status as a result of their inquiries into 39-year-old Youdale's death and he was awaiting extradition.

Kaushal went on the run after skipping bail during his January 2005 trail.

The court hearing had been told that Mr Cunningham was taken from his home in Todmorden Road, Briercliffe, in 2003, and driven to Stretford, where he was held for ransom.

He was then violently assaulted, with boiling water poured over his legs.