Suspects arrested in Father Frost death in Tajikistan.

Three college students were arrested for allegedly killing a man dressed as Father Frost, the Russian equivalent of Santa Claus, police in Tajikistan said.

A police official said Parviz Davlatbekov, 24, was wearing the costume for a family New Year celebration and was attacked on his way home, the Russian radio Web site Ekho Moskvy reported Tuesday.

RIA Novosti said the Tajik government has denied media reports the man was killed by a group of men angered over Russian Father Frost traditions imposed during the Soviet era.

Police said the three suspects, arrested Tuesday, were drunk when they allegedly attacked and beat Davlatbekov, who later died of his injuries

RIA Novosti said the spiritual leader of the largely Muslim country, Saidmukarram Abdukodirzoda, has said Russian Christmas and New Year festivities contradict Islamic rules.