Italian inquiry into India murder

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An Italian company whose boss in India was allegedly beaten to death by sacked workers has announced it is launching its own investigation into the killing.

Lalit Chaudhary, chief executive of car parts firm Graziano Trasmissioni India, died on Monday after a meeting with former employees turned into a riot.

In a statement, Graziano defended the firm's labour record in India.

It said the death was incomprehensible. Italy has said Indian officials failed to act despite months of threats.

Condolences

About 300 workers were dismissed after demanding pay rises and allegedly ransacking the firm's offices. Many have denied responsibility for Mr Chaudhary's murder.

Noida is one of Delhi's best known industrial and residential areas

On Wednesday, India's labour minister apologised after saying Mr Chaudhary's death should serve as a warning to managers to treat their workers with compassion.

The head of Graziano's parent company, Oerlikon Segment Drive Systems, has travelled to India to offer his condolences to Mr Chaudhary's family and visit injured staff in hospital.

"The company is co-operating with authorities and will launch its own investigation," Marcello Lamberto said in a statement.

He described the murder as "a brutal and criminal act of violence against an unarmed individual".

The company says that it has reason to believe that some of those involved in the attack have no connection to Graziano.

Police said that Mr Chaudhary, a father with one son, was hit on the head with either a stick or an iron rod. He was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

Business leaders have warned that the killing may damage the country's reputation among international firms.

But on Wednesday Trade Minister Kamal Nath insisted that the incident "would not be allowed to mar India's position as an investment-friendly destination".