Temple priest Gopan Swami’s death: Kerala Police conduct exhumation, begin inquest

Thiruvananthapuram Rural Police unearth body of Hindu priest Gopan Swami in Neyyattinkara amid controversy and investigation.

The Thiruvananthapuram Rural Police on Thursday (January 16, 2025) have unearthed the body of Hindu priest Gopan Swami, whose mysterious death had been the subject of controversy for over a week, in Neyyattinkara. The exhumation took place from the tomb where his sons had claimed he had “attained samadhi”.

The exhumation process began around 7 a.m. on Thursday, under heavy police security. The action followed a ruling by the Kerala High Court yesterday, which refused to stay the process, and affirmed the police’s authority to investigate the cause of death.

The particular area at Kavuvilakam, near Aralumoodu, was cordoned off, with access restricted to police and officials. The scene sharply contrasted with the events two days earlier, when Gopan’s family and certain Hindu organisations confronted the police and local residents, who raised suspicions of foul play surrounding his death.

The exhumation was overseen by Sub Collector and Thiruvananthapuram Revenue Divisional Officer Alfred O.V., and was filmed in the presence of a forensic team, including fingerprint experts

Police officials stated that the body was discovered seated within the concrete chamber after its top slab was removed. The structure was filled with various worship materials up to the chest. The body was subsequently taken out. It is expected to be shifted to the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital shortly for post-mortem examination, following inquest proceedings.

The corpse will undergo a comprehensive examination to determine the cause of death and to check for any signs of injury or assault. DNA testing may also be carried out to confirm the identity of the deceased, according to an official.