Preliminary probe finds no signs of foul play in death of Gopan Swami

Thiruvananthapuram: The police’s preliminary investigation into the death of Gopan Swami from Neyyattinkara indicates no signs of foul play. According to the inquest report, there are no visible injuries or wounds on the body that could point to unnatural causes of death. However, clarity on the cause of death and other details will only emerge after the detailed post-mortem report is released.

The post-mortem of Gopan Swami was completed by Thursday afternoon. The preliminary post-mortem findings are expected to be available within hours, while the detailed report will follow shortly. Samples from internal organs have been sent for chemical analysis, and the results are expected to take about a week.

After the post-mortem, the body will be handed over to the family. Gopan Swami’s son, Sanandan, along with VHP leaders and other individuals, were present at the Medical College Hospital. Heavy police security was deployed at the hospital.

Initially, Gopan Swami’s son and family members had refused to accept the body after it was exhumed, citing the violation of rituals during the exhumation. However, following the intervention of VHP leaders, they were convinced and agreed to take the body. It remains unclear whether the body will be reburied at the same site where it was previously placed in a ritualistic ‘Samadhi’.

The exhumation began at 7 am on Thursday under the supervision of officials, including the Sub-Collector. After the slab covering the burial site was removed, the body was found in a seated position inside the tomb. The interior of the crypt was filled with ash and ritualistic offerings up to the chest level of the body. Following this, the body was removed from the tomb and subjected to an inquest.

Since the body was not entirely decomposed, it was deemed suitable for a post-mortem examination at the Medical College. The body was transported to the Medical College Hospital for the same. Gopan Swami’s son was also taken to the hospital by the police.

Before the body was taken for post-mortem, the Sub-Collector and police officials held discussions with Gopan Swami’s family. Sub-Collector O V Alfred informed the media that the family members were made aware of the procedures and were convinced of the necessity of the actions taken.