Thiruvananthapuram: On Monday, police faced strong protests while trying to open a concrete tomb to conduct forensic tests and an autopsy on Gopan Swami, a 69-year-old man reportedly buried by his family in a state of 'samadhi.' The incident, which has stirred suspicion, centers on Gopan, also known as Maniyan, a resident of Siddhan Bhavan in Neyyattinkara. The police faced resistance from family members and the situation at the site turned tense.

The family firmly stated that under no circumstances would they allow the 'samadhi' structure to be dismantled. Despite attempts by the police to persuade them, Gopan Swami’s wife and children rushed to the site and staged a protest. Several organizations, including the Hindu Aikya Vedi and VSDP, also extended their support. Ultimately, the police had to forcibly remove the family members from the location.

The family claims that the sacred platform and the idol were brought from Mayiladumpara five years ago along with other idols, a fact known to the locals. Gopan Swami’s son alleged that his father had predicted his own passing and had instructed his family about the rituals beforehand. He added that the rituals must be conducted without anyone witnessing them, as their completion would otherwise be disrupted.

The situation came to public attention last Thursday when the family displayed a board declaring that Gopan had attained 'samadhi.' Following directions from District Collector Anu Kumari, police prepared to exhume the body on Monday under the supervision of the RDO. Despite their efforts, Gopan's wife, Sulochana, and his son staged a protest by lying in front of the tomb to obstruct the proceedings. The police have registered a missing person’s case based on the complaints. They expect the post-mortem to provide clarity regarding how and when Gopan Swami passed away. Authorities plan to transport the body to the Medical College for a post-mortem unless it is too decomposed, in which case the examination will be conducted at a nearby location.

Gopan’s death reportedly occurred on Thursday morning after a prolonged illness that had left him bedridden. According to the family, they placed his remains in the tomb soon after his passing. However, Gopan’s son, Rajasenan, later revised his statement to the police, asserting that his father had requested to be entombed in this manner. As the priest of the family temple, Rajasenan claimed the rituals were performed in accordance with Gopan’s instructions.

According to Rajasenan’s account, the family moved Gopan’s body to the site around 10.30 am on the day of his death. They seated him in a meditative posture, conducted the prescribed rituals, and then sealed the enclosure with a concrete slab. The unusual circumstances surrounding the burial and the lack of prior communication with locals have prompted an investigation into the case.

Earlier, Gopan Swami's wife, Sulochana had denied any foul play in the death of her husband. According to his Sulochana, Gopan Swami was found seated in his usual meditative position when he passed away. "He experienced a brief chest discomfort before calming down. My son then told me, 'Mom, Dad has passed away,' and said he was at peace. He wasn't sitting normally but as if in meditation, something he had practiced even before my marriage," Sulochana said in a media statement on Monday.