Kerala Officials to Reveal Exhumation Schedule for Controversial 'Swami' Tomorrow

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 13 (NationPress) The authorities of Thiruvananthapuram district stated on Monday that the date for the exhumation of a self-proclaimed ‘Swami’, who was laid to rest by his family after allegedly “attaining samadhi”, will be announced on Tuesday.

District Sub-Collector O.V. Alfred, addressing the media near the burial location, confirmed that the decision to exhume the body had been taken.

“We are in discussions with the family and involved parties. The official exhumation date will be revealed tomorrow. Our main aim is to ease the ongoing tension in the region. This exhumation is being conducted following police reports, and the body will undergo scientific examination afterward,” stated Alfred.

The family’s attorney has been informed regarding the legal implications of the exhumation. “The family’s legal representative has been briefed on the legal matters. This is a standard procedure. Additional meetings with experts will be conducted, as their presence is essential during the exhumation,” Alfred further explained.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere at the burial site in Neyyattinkara was tense on Monday morning. Members of various Hindu groups and the immediate family of the Swami vehemently opposed the exhumation, while another faction advocated for the body to be exhumed for investigation.

Local police engaged in discussions with the family and other parties before arriving at the decision to proceed with the exhumation.

The case revolves around 78-year-old Gopan Swami, a former head-load worker from Neyyattinkara, who oversaw a small temple close to his residence. On Friday, Gopan’s sons, Sanandan and Rajasenan, interred him, asserting that he had reached samadhi — a spiritual state of eternal meditation.

However, local residents expressed doubts, accusing the family of staging the burial for personal advantage. Allegations of foul play, including potential murder, have intensified calls for an investigation.

“Gopan and his family propagated dubious beliefs through their temple for self-serving reasons. This samadhi narrative appears to be engineered to boost the temple’s prominence,” remarked a group of residents advocating for the burial site to be reopened.

Rajasenan, Gopan’s younger son, refuted the allegations, insisting that his father’s burial conformed to religious customs and his wishes.

Gopan had established the temple in 2016 as a community trust, but disputes caused its closure for two years. It reopened later under Gopan’s sole management, with his family overseeing its operations.

The Kerala Police, responding to public unrest, commenced an investigation and sought authorization from the district collector to exhume the body. If granted, an autopsy will ascertain the cause of death.

This situation has ignited discussions regarding the exploitation of religious beliefs and practices, with many awaiting the investigation’s results to unveil the truth behind the Swami’s burial.