Owner of ‘world’s most expensive shirt’ beaten to death in front of son
Datta Phuge photographed wearing his iconic gold shirt
Pune businessman Datta Phuge, who had become famous overnight for owning the ‘world’s most expensive shirt’, was allegedly beaten to death in front of his son late Thursday night.
The 48-year-old businessman, was reportedly attacked by a dozen men who dragged him out of his car, attacked him with a sickle and pounded him to death with huge stones before running away. Phuge’s 22-year-old son, who was also present, was spared by the attackers.
According to a police source, Phuge and his son were invited by one of the suspects for a birthday celebration.
After preliminary investigation, police suspect that a financial dispute was the motive behind the attack. So far, four persons have been detained, with his nephew believed to be one of the prime suspects.
Back in 2012, Phuge had become an internet sensation after his image, in which he was seen wearing a 22-carat gold shirt worth over Rs. one crore, went viral. The shirt featured Swarovski crystal buttons and was accompanied by a matching gold belt.
The 3.5 kg shirt, crafted by 15 workmen from Bengal, was pegged as the ‘most expensive shirt’ in the world. It made Phuge a household name and earned him the nickname ‘gold man’.
Phuge, who was also a member of Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party, featured on several TV channels and publications after unveiling the shirt.
