The Indian man was believed to be the head of the “largest family in the world” by the News of Religion

Ziona Chana, 76, led a Christian sect that supported polygamy for men in the northeastern state of Mizoram.

Authorities say an Indian from the northeastern state of Mizoram has been killed for allegedly running “the largest family in the world.”

Ziona Chana, 76, who led a Christian sect that supported polygamy for men, has left 38 wives and 89 children.

The sect, called Chana Pawl, was founded by his father in 1942.

Chief Minister Zoramthanga Mizoram on Sunday announced on Twitter the death of Chana, a resident of Baktawng Tlangnuam village.

“With a hard heart, #Mizoram said goodbye to Mr. Zion (76), who he believes is the largest family in the world, with 38 wives and 89 children,” he said.

Mizoram and Baktawng Tlangnuam have become major tourist attractions because of the family, the chief minister added.

Overall view of Chanak’s 100 bedroom house in Mizoram [File: Richard Grange/Barcroft India/Getty Images]

According to officials, Chana, who also had 33 grandchildren, died on Sunday afternoon from complications related to diabetes and high blood pressure, Indian media reported.

“He was taken to a private hospital in another district and according to reports received, he died today (Sunday),” Deputy District Commissioner Kumar Abhish told the Anadolu Agency.

Chana’s wife and children participate in a prayer for the evening ceremony [File: EPA]

Lal Thanhawla, a former prime minister in Mizoram and a senior politician in the Congress party, said the disappearance of the new Anadolu news agency Chana was “a huge loss for everyone.”

“The family is very disciplined and there are a lot of things to learn from them,” he said.

According to reports, the large family lives in a four-story house called the “New Generation House.” It has 100 bedrooms, the wives share a bedroom next to Chana’s private room.

The family appeared twice on Ripley’s Believe It Or Not TV show, the BBC reported.

In 2014, the family also appeared in an advertisement for a leading dishwashing brand, the Hindustan Times of India reports.

Chana’s wife and children prayed in the evening ceremony [File: EPA]