Five people in the western Indian state of Rajasthan have committed suicide after allegedly being harassed by members of a village caste council.

Police say two letters found at the scene of the suicide accused village leaders of harassing them for money.

Four of the dead were from the same family. Two people have been arrested in connection with the suicide.

Caste councils enjoy tremendous social power in many parts of Rajasthan even though they have no legal authority.

The dead have been identified as Rajendra Jat, his wife Heero, their two children and a neighbour, Kunwari Bai. The only survivor was Mr Jat's 11-year-old daughter Mona.

The incident took place in Karauli district.