By ninemsn staff
Two men hacked off an 80-year-old man's leg after he claimed it had magical healing powers, police say.
Authorities in Southern India are now hunting the two men, while the victim, Yanadi Kondaiah, recovers in hospital.
The BBC reports that Mr Kondaiah was discovered by locals, unconscious and bleeding, after the leg heist.
Police said the "holy man" was initially approached by two strangers who came to seek advice about a medical ailment.
When the duo returned two days later, Mr Kondaiah, who had a penchant for booze, couldn't resist joining them for a drink.
"After the old man had passed out under the influence of liquor, they cut off his right leg from the knee," said local police Sub-Inspector Pendakanti Dastgiri.
Mr Dastgiri said a sharp hunting knife was used in the amputation, which was carried out in a brutal manner.
The man's leg — and the leg bandits — have yet to be found.
Mr Kondaiah said he had no idea why he was targeted and did not understand why the men attacked him.
Police believe he was targeted because he told people his leg possessed magical powers.
"It is difficult to say that this was the only motive," a police spokesperson said.
"It could also be a case of a revenge attack."
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