Roy George, 47, was vice-president of HR at Pricol, an auto-parts manufacturer. He was attacked after he laid off more than 40 workers at the firm in southern India.

According to the police, a group of angry workers forced their way into George's office and started beating him with iron rods. George sustained severe injuries and died in hospital on Tuesday (22 September).

The workers are said to have belonged to a union not recognised by the company. Twelve men have been arrested.

Employers' bodies and trade unions in the country have condemned the murder, the latest in a spate of industrial disputes in the country that have turned violent.