Gopan Swami’s demise: Kerala Police exhume physique, start inquest

Cops on the spot the place Gopan Swami’s physique was exhumed in Neyyattinkara, Thiruvananthapuram, on January 16, 2025
| Picture Credit score: Particular association

The Thiruvananthapuram Rural Police on Thursday (January 16, 2025) have unearthed the physique of Hindu priest Gopan Swami, whose mysterious demise had been the topic of controversy for over every week, in Neyyattinkara. The exhumation passed off from the tomb the place his sons had claimed he had “attained samadhi”.

The exhumation course of started round 7 a.m. on Thursday, underneath heavy police safety. The motion adopted a ruling by the Kerala Excessive Courtroom yesterday, which refused to remain the method, and affirmed the police’s authority to analyze the reason for demise.

The actual space at Kavuvilakam, close to Aralumoodu, was cordoned off, with entry restricted to police and officers. The scene sharply contrasted with the occasions two days earlier, when Gopan’s household and sure Hindu organisations confronted the police and native residents, who raised suspicions of foul play surrounding his demise.

The exhumation was overseen by Sub Collector and Thiruvananthapuram Income Divisional Officer Alfred O.V., and was filmed within the presence of a forensic staff, together with fingerprint consultants

Police officers said that the physique was found seated throughout the concrete chamber after its prime slab was eliminated. The construction was stuffed with varied worship supplies as much as the chest. The physique was subsequently taken out. It’s anticipated to be shifted to the Thiruvananthapuram Authorities Medical School Hospital shortly for autopsy examination, following inquest proceedings.

The corpse will bear a complete examination to find out the reason for demise and to test for any indicators of harm or assault. DNA testing may additionally be carried out to verify the identification of the deceased, in keeping with an official.