Odisha: A businessman in Cuttack says he got himself a mask made of gold worth Rs 3.5 lakh

At a time when face masks have become an inseparable part of life to protect oneself from contracting coronavirus, a 55-year-old businessman in Odisha has procured one which is me of gold and cost him Rs 3.5 lakh. He got inspiration from a news report about a businessman in Maharashtra's Pune district who got himself a customised gold mask worth Rs 2.89 lakh.

Alok Mohanty, who owns a furniture store in Cuttack city and is a fan of anything me of yellow metal, said an N-95 mask has been used as a base for manufacturing golden protective gear which weighs around 100 grams.

Elastic bands are attached to golden mask for a secure fit and it is quite comfortable to wear, he said on Friday.

Asked from where did he get idea of such a mask, Mohanty said, "While watching television some time ago, I saw someone in Maharashtra wearing a mask me of gold. Since I have a tremendous weakness for gold, I decided to get one for myself."

Mohanty got in touch with a jewellery shop in Mumbai, which sent him a catalogue. He chose a design and placed an order and it took 22 days to make mask. businessman said he has caps and watches me of gold or lined with yellow metal.

Mohanty said he has been distributing food and or essential items to needy during COVID-19 pandemic. He said he also has a penchant for feeding stray animals.