The incident took place yesterday when the jeweller, Purushottam Soni (48), a resident of Datia city was on his way to the village.
He was found unconscious near a canal about 4-5 kms away from Datia headquarters by some passers-by who then informed the police.
Subsequently, Purushottam to a district hospital where he was declared brought dead by doctors.
They said that an injury mark was found below the chin of Soni but the reason of his death would only be ascertained after autopsy report.
Superintendent of Police Datia, R P Singh said that a case has been registered and investigations had begun.