| 1. Datta Phuge, also known as Dattatrey D. Phuge, was an Indian businessman and millionaire money-lender from the Pimpri-Chinchwad area. |
| 2. Since childhood, Phuge had a passion for purchasing gold jewellery and ornaments. |
| 3. Initially, Phuge managed a jewellery store before venturing into the money-lending business with his wife in 2009 through Vakratunda Chit Fund Pvt Ltd. |
| 4. In 2013, Phuge gained notoriety for owning a gold shirt valued at 1.27 crores, propelling him to fame. |
| 5. His wife, Seema Phuge, successfully contested the 2012 municipal elections representing the NCP party. |
| 6. Internationally, Phuge was widely recognized in 2013 for commissioning a 22-carat solid gold shirt for himself. |
| 7. Tragically, Phuge met a violent demise on his birthday, July 14, 2016, around 11:30 pm, when he was attacked and killed by unidentified assailants. |
| 8. During the investigation, it was revealed that Phuge's iconic gold shirt had mysteriously disappeared. |
| 9. Phuge ran Vakratunda Chit Fund Pvt. Ltd. along with his wife Seema Phuge, who was a former corporator belonging to the Nationalist Congress Party. |
| 10. He also operated a co-operative credit society and other financial institutions. |
| 11. Phuge was murdered on 14 July 2016 after being lured to an open ground in the Dighi area of Pune under the guise of a birthday celebration; he and his son were invited via text message by one of the suspects. |
| 12. Upon arrival, approximately twelve assailants pulled Phuge from his vehicle and attacked him with sickles, swords, knives, rods, and bludgeoned him to death with large stones before fleeing; his son witnessed the assault but escaped unharmed. |
| 13. Police suggested the motive was a financial dispute involving alleged misappropriation and irregularities. |
