Body found inside Gopan Swami’s tomb; postmortem procedures to begin soon

Neyyattinkara: The body of Gopan Swami has reportedly been found inside the controversial tomb in Neyyattinkara. According to officials, the body was discovered seated inside the concrete chamber.

Following the Kerala High Court's directive, the exhumation process began on Thursday morning under heavy police security. The area surrounding the tomb has been cordoned off, with access restricted to police and officials. Sub-Collector Alfred and other authorities reached the site around 7 AM to oversee the procedures.

The tomb has been covered, and the area remains under strict police surveillance. Only authorized personnel are allowed near the site, and measures have been implemented to prevent public entry. Once the tomb is dismantled, the inquest will commence, followed by a postmortem examination.

The Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) is overseeing the process, which includes an inquest and postmortem to be conducted near the site. Forensic experts have arrived at the scene, and public and media access has been heavily restricted. Additional police personnel have been deployed to prevent any disruptions.

The exhumation was authorized after the Kerala High Court on Wednesday rejected the family’s plea to halt the process. This decision comes in light of neighbours’ complaints, which led to a police investigation and the registration of a First Information Report (FIR). The neighbors had reported not being informed about the death, which occurred last Thursday, and alleged suspicious circumstances.

Meanwhile, Maniyan’s daughter-in-law, who fell ill due to stress, has been admitted to the medical college. She is accompanied by Maniyan’s wife, Sulochana, and son, Rajasenan, both of whom are under police protection. Security has also been tightened around the house and the tomb.

Gopan Swami, also known as Maniyan, was buried in a concrete tomb on his property in Neyyattinkara. According to his family, the burial was in accordance with his wishes, as they believed he had attained samadhi. His son, Rajasenan, claimed that his father had walked to the burial site late at night, instructing the family to entomb him privately.

Attempts to open the tomb on Monday were met with stiff resistance from the family and local supporters, including members of the Hindu Aikya Vedi and VSDP. The family, led by Swami’s wife, Sulochana, and their children, staged a sit-in near the tomb, arguing that exhumation violated their beliefs and practices. Despite these protests, the High Court upheld the police’s right to investigate under suspicious circumstances, invoking Section 194 of the BNSS.

Locals had raised doubts about the circumstances of Swami’s death and the secrecy surrounding his burial. Complaints from two neighbors prompted the police to register a missing person case, as they suspected foul play. Officials believe that forensic analysis of the body could provide clarity on the cause and timing of death.