Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 24 (ANI): 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.

Also Read | 'Coronavirus Doubling Rate in India Now More Than 13 Days , Lockdown Acted As Social Vaccine', Says Harsh Vardhan.

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.

Also Read | Hyundai Motor's Three Employees at Chennai Plant Test Positive for COVID-19.

"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. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)