Kanpur, March 16 -- A 55-year-old man, identified as Mohammad Sharif, died allegedly after he was assaulted by some Holi revellers in Unnao on Saturday afternoon, his family claimed.

His family said Sharif collapsed and died after he was repeatedly slapped by some Holi revellers who allegedly attempted to forcibly apply colours on him. On the other hand, the police said Sharif died of a heart attack, as his body did not show any injury marks.

The Unnao Kotwali police have taken three persons into custody.

Sharif's family refused to allow an autopsy until the culprits were arrested.

Till late evening, police and administrative officers were trying to persuade the family to reconsider.

Additional SP, Unnao North, Akhilesh Singh, stated...