The businessman from Pune, who shot to fame with his gold shirt, in 2012, was bludgeoned to death by a gang of 12 people in front of his son. Dattatray Phuge, 47, who ran the Vakratunda Chit Fund company in Bhosari, was attacked at an open ground in Dighi area, where he was killed on the spot.
Police suspect the attack came over some dispute regarding a money transaction. Phuge’s son Shubham and the eyewitness lodged a complaint with the police and a probe was launched soon, leading to the arrest of five people. "Phuge and his son were invited by one of the suspects, who knew each other, to celebrate a birthday party. However, we are investigating how Phuge reached the open ground where he was murdered," said a police officer.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kalpana Baravkar said while search for the brain behind the crime, Atul Mohite, is going on, those arrested have been identified as Amol alias Balli Kailas Pathare, Shailesh Suryakant Walke, Vishal Datta Parkhe, Nivrutti, and Prem. She added, "Last year, an offence of cheating was registered against Phuge at the Khadki police station for financial fraud. Also, a proposal of extern Phuge was put up following complaints of financial disputes and hooliganism against him. But the proposal was not approved."
Shubham said, "All the 10 to 12 killers should be arrested by the police immediately. I have already given them some names." Datta came under the public's eye after he wore a gold shirt weighing around 3.5 kg, at a cost of £129000.
