Haridwar, June 7 (ANI): Followers of the slain preacher of Dera Sachh Khand, Sant Rama Nand Dass are carrying his ashes to immerse in the holy Ganga.

A convoy of vehicles commenced the journey on Sunday from Jalandhar to Haridwar.

As the convoy passed through the main thoroughfare, hundreds of followers of Sant Rama Nand Dass showered flowers and garlands as a mark of their tribute to the departed preacher.

Gurmeet Chand Duggal, one among the devotees accompanying the ashes to Haridwar said that thousands of the followers of Dera Sachh Khand would witness the immersion.

"Functionaries and devotees of Dera Sachh Khand are taking the ashes of Sant Rama Nand Dass for immersion at Haridwar. Devotees, both domestic and international are also going to Haridwar. After immersing the ashes, we will return tomorrow," said Gurmeet Chand Duggal, a follower of Sant Rama Nand Dass.

Sant Rama Nand Dass died when he and Sant Niranjan Dass, the head of the Dera Sachh Khand, were attacked on May 24 during a prayer service at a Gurudwara in Vienna, Austria.

His body reached India on a special chartered flight on Thursday, accompanied by a fellow Sikh preacher who was also wounded in the attack.

Sixteen people were hurt in Vienna when six armed men attacked two Indian preachers during a temple ceremony.

Consequently, three persons died and 30 others were injured in the protests that followed the Vienna attacks.

So far, Austrian police has arrested half a dozen of the attackers, and are investigating the motive for the murderous attack. (ANI)