Chaudhari had written several reports against the illegal sale of gutka in the 'Dainik Solapur Tarun Bharat' newspaper.
The Parbhani District Reporters' Association strongly condemned the incident which occurred in the Purna tehsil of the district, late Tuesday night, and demanded strict action against the accused.
The names of suspects nabbed by the police are Syed Hasan (35), Munja Vishwanath Dargu (40), Anil Kurkule and Pandit Walkar, while the prime accused, Syed Ali is absconding, superintendent of police Sandeep Patil said.
Offences have been lodged against the accused under Sections 307, 326, 324, 34 and 323 of the Indian Penal Code, with the Purna police station.