Man Goes Missing, His ‘Samadhi’ Found, Kerala Police Attempt to Exhume Body
The Kerala High Court Seeks Responses Regarding the Exhumation of Gopan Swami’s Body
The Kerala High Court recently requested responses from the state government and police in connection with a plea to halt the exhumation of the body of a 69-year-old man named Gopan Swami. The family of the deceased claimed that he had achieved ‘samadhi,’ leading to a legal battle over the fate of his remains.
Court’s Decision on the Investigation
Justice CS Dias, while issuing notices to the government and police, declined to intervene in the investigation into Gopan Swami’s death. The judge emphasized that law enforcement agencies have the jurisdiction to probe cases involving individuals who go missing or die under suspicious circumstances. The court suggested that there might be something suspicious in this case, warranting further investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Petitioner’s Claims
During the hearing, the court asked for Gopan Swami’s death certificate, highlighting that the absence of such documentation could imply that his death was unnatural. The case was brought to court by Sulochana, Gopan Swami’s widow, who alleged that local authorities and police were trying to destroy the ‘samadhi’ site. She sought court orders to prevent any disturbance to the burial site.
The court inquired about the petitioner’s concerns regarding the investigation and questioned the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death. The matter has been scheduled for further consideration in the upcoming week.
Controversy in Neyyattinkara
The incident surrounding Gopan Swami’s burial site in Neyyattinkara, Thiruvananthapuram district, has sparked controversy and resistance from his family and local residents. The Neyyattinkara police, acting on an order from the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), were instructed to exhume the body for a post-mortem examination due to suspicions surrounding his death.
Family’s Claims and Public Response
Gopan Swami’s son, Rajasenan, asserted that his father had voluntarily entered ‘samadhi’ at the burial site late one night. He explained that Gopan Swami had instructed the family to bury his body discreetly and maintain privacy. The special burial ground was constructed by Gopan Swami, a priest who had established a temple on his property in Kavuvilakam.
The unfolding events in Neyyattinkara have brought attention to the complex legal and cultural issues surrounding the concept of ‘samadhi’ and the handling of suspicious deaths. The court’s decision to investigate further reflects the need for clarity and transparency in such cases.