The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) on Wednesday, sought a report from the Bihar government on the police beating of a Muslim man in Bhagalpur.

NCM member Harcharan Singh Josh, who chaired a meeting with his colleagues on Tuesday's incident, said the Commission believed Mohammad Aurangzeb was treated like an "animal and a slave" by police who joined the mob to punch, kick and drag him down a street after he allegedly tried to steal a gold chain.

"We are writing to the Bihar Chief Secretary to send us a report immediately about the incident. Police acted brutally there," Josh said after the meeting attended by NCM members Z Hasan and M D Bangalee.

After TV channels broadcast the incident, authorities in Bihar ordered suspension of an assistant sub-inspector who was shown dragging Aurangzeb, tied to a police motorcycle, for several metres down the street.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has already issued notices to the Bihar police.