Kerala High Court Declines Plea to Halt Exhumation of 'Swami', Investigation to Proceed

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 15 (NationPress) The Kerala High Court has opted not to intervene in a request made by the spouse of a self-proclaimed ‘Swami’, aimed at halting the exhumation of his remains. The court has instructed the police to persist with their investigation into the case.

The petitioner, Sulochana, spouse of 78-year-old Gopan Swami, approached the court asserting that her husband had achieved "samadhi" and was interred at their residence in Neyyattinkara as per his desires. However, the court exhibited doubt upon discovering that a death certificate had not been presented.

During the proceedings, the court mandated that notices be dispatched to the police and district authorities, postponing the case for further hearings next week. The court made it clear that it would not intervene in the police investigation at this juncture.

Since January 10, tensions have escalated in Neyyattinkara as locals have voiced suspicions regarding Gopan’s burial, alleging potential foul play and murder. They accused the family of conducting the burial for ulterior motives. Gopan’s younger son, Rajasenan, countered these claims, asserting that the burial was in accordance with his father's wishes and religious practices.

Compounding the situation, certain Hindu organizations have protested against the exhumation, claiming it would infringe upon religious sentiments. This has resulted in confrontations among community members, family, and officials, further complicating the scenario.

The police, with the backing of district revenue officials, initially resolved to exhume the body for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. However, they have refrained from specifying when the exhumation would take place, possibly anticipating opposition.

In light of the intensifying situation, Sulochana approached the High Court to prevent the exhumation, citing her husband’s spiritual status and the significance of the religious rites.

Gopan, a former head-load worker, established a modest temple in 2016 as a community trust. After facing closure due to disputes, the temple reopened under Gopan’s sole authority, managed by his family. Locals suspect this control might be a motive behind the burial, fueling their demand for a comprehensive investigation.

With the court postponing its verdict, the police are likely to seek legal counsel on how to proceed with the exhumation and investigation.

Meanwhile, the controversy continues to provoke local tensions, with both parties awaiting further updates.