India's 'Gold Man' beaten to death

PUNE: Datta Phuge, the Pune businessman who came to be known as the "gold man" after he was photographed in a pure gold shirt a few years ago, was allegedly beaten to death in front of his son late last night.

The 48-year-old was found dead at a large ground early on Friday morning, NDTV reported.

Mr Phuge was reportedly attacked by a dozen men who dragged him out of his car, struck him with a sickle and pounded him to death with huge stones before running away.

His 22-year-old son, who was also present at the crime site, was spared.

Police said Mr Phuge and his son were invited by one of the suspects for a birthday celebration.

Police suspect a financial dispute and have detained four persons.

Four years ago, the high-profile businessman made a memorable picture in a 22-carat gold shirt worth over Rs 1 crore, with Swarovski crystal buttons and a matching gold belt.  It was billed as the world's most expensive shirt and designed to catch the eye easily.

The 3.5 kg shirt was crafted by 15 workmen from Bengal.