SEGAMAT, MALAYSIA: A millionaire businessman was shot dead while out on a morning jog.

Datuk M. Gunasegaran was found with two gunshot wounds to the head and abdomen by passers-by in an alley in Jalan Genuang at 6.15am. Two spent shells were found at the crime scene.

The businessman, who owned a few pawnshops and a licensed moneylender’s business, had just celebrated his 49th birthday on Wednesday. He also had interests in the agricultural sector.

It is learnt that the victim, nicknamed Datuk Itik for the way he spoke, was popular among the locals as he always gave to the needy. Last Deepavali, he went around to the estates to hand out donations, said a friend who declined to be named.

Gunasegaran was questioned in connection with a kidnapping and the murder of former Tenggaroh assemblyman Datuk S. Krishna­samy.

He had also been detained under the Emergency Ordinance.

Segamat OCPD Supt Abdul Majid Mohd Ali said police received a call from the public about the discovery of a body lying face down, at about 6.15am.

He said a special task force had been formed to investigate. The body was later sent to Segamat Hospital for a post-mortem.