DHAKA: Angry workers have hacked to death the owner of a tea plantation in eastern India over a payment dispute, police said on Sunday, underscoring festering labour unrest in the region.

Rajesh Jhunjhunwala, 45, was dragged out in the middle of discussions and attacked by the irate mob at the Sonali tea estate in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal state, a local police officer told the media over phone, reports The Straits Times.

‘Our preliminary investigations have revealed that there was some issue of payments. It appears he was attacked by some sharp weapons,’ PT Bhutia said.

A raid was on to nab the culprits, who fled after the incident at the estate spread over some 400 acres of land in the Dooars region, he added.

BDST: 1304 HRS, NOV 23, 2014