NEW DELHI, Aug. 10 -- India's corporate dynasties face another explosive succession crisis as the death of automotive heir Sunjay Kapur has unleashed a vicious family battle for control of the US$3.6 billion Sona Comstar empire, exposing the dangerous lack of succession planning that plagues 90 per cent of firms in the country that are family-run.

Kapur, 53, suffered a heart attack on June 12 while playing polo in Surrey, UK, as an heir to the business empire he inherited from his father.

Sona Comstar ranks among India's top auto component makers with a global presence spanning 10 plants across India, China, Mexico, and the United States.

The polo enthusiast moved in Delhi's elite social circles and reportedly maintained a friendship w...