Fadnavis expresses shock over 'sadhu's murder, seeks severe punishment to accused

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday expressed shock over the murder of a 'sadhu' in Nanded.

"Incident of the brutal murder of a Sadhu and other Sevekari in Nanded district is shocking and painful. My heartfelt tributes," tweeted Fadnavis, urging the government to ensure the accused are severely punished.

The body of the deceased was found at his ashram in Nanded's Umri late last night, the police said.

"The deceased 'sadhu' and the murder accused are of the same community. There is no communal angle in the murder case," said Vijaykumar Magar, Superintendent of Police, Nanded.

"The accused has been arrested. There is a criminal record against him. He was a co-accused in a murder case filed 10 years back. He has also been booked earlier in a molestation case," added Magar.

Three people including two 'sadhus' who were travelling from Kandivali in Mumbai to Gujarat via interior roads of Palghar, were beaten to death on April 17 by Gadchinchle villagers, suspecting them of being thieves. The three men were taken to the hospital where they were declared brought dead.

( With inputs from ANI )