Lucknow, Jul 14 (IANS): The family of an Uttar Pradesh-based businessman was locked up in their house by an official for three days after he failed to clear dues with the revenue department.

Satya Prakash was finef about Rs.78,000 by the revenue department for illegal mining. When he failed to pay up, his house in the Kotwali area of Sitapur, around 90 km from here, was sealed, officials said Saturday.

The revenue officer did not check if there was anyone inside the house.

When the unsuspecting family found themselves locked, they raised an alarm. But help didn't arrive as the house was at a distance from others.

When they sought help on telephone, neighbours refused to intervene as the matter was related to the administration, the official added.

The family could be freed only after three days when they phoned their relatives who asked police to break the lock.

Chief Development Officer of Sitapur Tahir Manzar Rizvi said the official who sealed the house has been suspended.