The police are investigating allegations that a downtown Kingston businessman recently ordered 16 men to beat and stab one of his customers who called him a fool.

The man was reportedly cut several times all over his body after he is said to have disrespected the owner of the store on Tuesday afternoon.

THE STAR heard that the man, who is of a Kingston address, had to be rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital after going to the Kingston Central Police Station following the incident.

It is said that personnel at the police station immediately became concerned about the state of his injuries. He reportedly had cuts, bruises and swellings all over his body. His clothes was also drenched in blood.

According to police reports, about 3:30 p.m. the man went into a store along Orange Street in downtown Kingston where he is said to be a regular customer.

In the process of making his purchases, the man reportedly got involved in an argument with the store owner and referred to him as a fool.

A police source told THE STAR that it is being alleged that the store owner then tricked the man, and led him to another store across the street which he also owns.

The man was then beaten by a large group of men, allegedly on the instructions of the store owner.

He was then released from the building after the alleged beating.

Asked about the state of the man's health, the source told THE STAR, "Yu waa see di man, him look like a mummy ... Him wrap up all over him body, dem deal wid him wicked." The injured man, however, was reportedly released from hospital yesterday.

THE STAR was told that since receiving the report the police have visited the establishment where the beating was allegedly carried out and bloodstains were seen in several areas.

The police say they were told that the store owner is off the island. They say their investigations will be ongoing and he will be identified as a major person of interest in connection with the incident.