Authorities in Yunnan province are hoping two of the country's most popular bloggers can help them unravel the mystery of a man who died in police custody.

Zhao Li, who writes a blog under the name Fengzhimoduan, and Dong Rubin, better known as Bianmin, were named director and deputy director of an investigation committee that was sent to Jinning county, Yunnan province on Friday to probe the suspicious death.

The pair is part of a 15-member team that includes six other members of the public (three of whom were chosen in an online lottery), three reporters, four public security officials and prosecutors. It is hoped the crew can find out what really happened to Li Qiaoming, 24, who police said died after playing hide-and-seek.