The body of Lalit Kumar Maheshwari (62), a saree trader, was found by fire officials last night from the godown, who had come there to douse the flames, SSP K Emanuel said, adding, the body was tied with chains.
The fire officials were informed about a fire at Maheshwari's godown at Mall Road area, who then went there to extinguish it, following which, they found Maheshwari's body, he said.
Police suspect that Maheshwari, who owned two saree showrooms in the city, was first strangulated with a piece of cloth and then his body was kept in the godown following which it was set on fire.