Ananova:

An Indian holy man is recovering in hospital after two men cut off his 'magical' right leg and ran off with it.

Yanadi Kondaiah, 80, claimed those who touched his leg would be cured of illness or have wishes granted.

But the Hindu's claims appear to have backfired, after two strangers plied him with alcohol, then cut off his leg with a sickle.

Police said Kondaiah,who lives in a village near the city of Tirupati, was approached by two men who asked him to help them with his magical powers.

Local police sub-Inspector Pendakanti Dastgiri said: "They took him to a deserted spot in the outskirts of the village. After the old man had passed out under the influence of liquor, they cut off his right leg from the knee."

The victim was then left alone, bleeding heavily, until he was found by passing villagers and taken to hospital.

"This seems to be a case of superstition. The two people might have taken away the leg hoping to benefit from its magical powers," added Mr Dastgiri.

Mr Kondaiah said that he did not understand the motive of the men in taking away his leg.

"I have always been good to others and helped who ever came to me. Then why has this been done to me?" he asked.