An assistant sub-inspector of police died on Friday while heading out on patrol duty from the District Police Office in Taplejung.

The victime identified as Indra Bhujel, 45, of Dhulabari in Jhapa, suddenly collapsed on the way to the district headquarters in Phungling, according to police officials.

He was immediately taken to hospital in an unconscious state, but doctors declared him dead shortly after arrival.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Bed Prasad Gautam, chief of the Taplejung District Police Office, said cardiac arrest is suspected to be the cause, although a final confirmation will depend on the medical report.

Bhujel had been serving at the Taplejung District Police Office at the time of his death.