In a case that has captivated Kerala, the body of Gopan Swami, also known as Maniyan, was exhumed and moved for an autopsy amid controversy and public scrutiny. Here are the key details:
• Background: Gopan Swami, a 69-year-old resident of Neyyattinkara in Thiruvananthapuram, was claimed by his family to have “attained samadhi” - a spiritual state often associated with the death of holy men in Hindu tradition. His family had entombed him in a concrete chamber near their home, leading to suspicions and allegations of foul play from the community.
• Exhumation: After initial resistance from the family, which included protests and legal challenges, the Kerala High Court declined to stay the exhumation process. On January 15, 2025, under heavy police security and in the presence of officials, the body was exhumed from the tomb at the family’s property in Kavuvilakam, Aralumoodu, near Neyyattinkara.
• Findings: Upon exhumation, the body was found seated in a meditative posture with ritualistic items like ‘vibhuti’ (sacred ash) and other pooja materials surrounding it. The face was identifiable, according to a municipal councillor present at the site, and there were signs of ritual offerings including camphor.
• Autopsy: The body was then shifted to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital for a post-mortem examination to ascertain the cause of death. This step was crucial to determine whether there was any foul play or if, as the family claimed, Gopan Swami died naturally after attaining spiritual enlightenment.
• Legal and Public Reaction: The case has drawn significant public and media attention due to the religious and cultural implications of ‘samadhi’, alongside the legal aspects of the exhumation and autopsy. The family’s initial resistance and subsequent legal actions, including a plea to the Kerala High Court, highlighted the tension between religious practices and the need for legal clarity in cases of suspicious deaths.
• Investigation: The police are investigating if Gopan Swami was buried alive, which could lead to charges against family members if proven true. The community’s suspicion was fueled by the secretive nature of the burial, with no prior notification or death certificate issued.
This incident underscores the complexities when religious practices intersect with legal obligations, particularly in determining the cause of death under mysterious circumstances.