Mystery deepens in death of self-styled Swami in Kerala; Police to exhume body

Neyyattinkara, Thiruvananthapuram: The death of 69-year-old Gopan Swami, a spiritual leader and alleged founder of the Kavuvilakam Kailasanatha Temple, has sparked suspicion among locals after his body was interred in a 'samadhi' by his children.

His children, Sanandan and Rajasenan, placed a flex board in front of their house last Thursday announcing that their father had attained samadhi, which was the first time the locals became aware of his death.

Following complaints from residents, the police have initiated action to dismantle a tomb-like structure built on the spot and exhumed the body for post-mortem. Police Inspector S B Praveen Kumar visited the family’s residence in Kavuvilakam and questioned the children, who claimed that the burial was done as per their father's wishes. According to the police, the body was put in the tomb covered with a slab without informing the neighbors or anyone else.

The Neyyattinkara Police have approached the District Collector seeking approval to demolish the tomb and exhume the body for a post-mortem examination. It was revealed that no doctor had certified the death prior to the burial. The Collector's decision on the matter is expected on Monday. The police have made it clear that the tomb will only be demolished in the presence of the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) after receiving the necessary permission.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover the truth behind Gopan Swami's sudden and secretive burial.