NEW DELHI, June 12 (Xinhua) -- A noted spiritual leader in India committed suicide on Tuesday by shooting from his own gun in Indore, a city in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, English daily The Times of India reported.

Identified as Bhaiyyuji Maharaj, the spiritual leader was very popular in India and had a clout among a large section of politicians.

He was involved in a large number of social works in Madhya Pradesh and other states. He was recently included in a committee of saints formed for conservation of river Narmada.

According to media, the spiritual leader was going through a state of depression for several months due to his personal family reasons. His first wife had passed away, after which he had married to his second wife.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan tweeted that the country had lost a spiritually learned man. "Homage to Saint Bhaiyyuji Maharaj. The country has lost a spiritually learned man. His ideas will continue to inspire the humanity for eternity."