THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The preliminary post-mortem report on the death of Gopan Swami in Neyyattinkara has ruled out any signs of foul play, bringing an end to a week-long controversy. The report confirmed that there were no injuries or wounds on the body, nor any indications of poisoning or significant damage to internal organs. This has provided relief to the family, as well as to members of various organizations involved in the case.
Preparations have begun to re-conduct Gopan Swami's samadhi rituals on Friday. Detailed reports, including toxicology, forensic, and pathology analyses, are expected in the coming days. As the preliminary findings suggest no anomalies, officials stated these follow-ups are procedural and there are no obstacles to releasing the body. The body, currently kept at Neyyattinkara NIMS, will be brought to his residence at Aralummoodu by noon. A grand samadhi ceremony will be conducted between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the same location where he was previously interred, as a gesture to clear suspicions surrounding the incident. This decision has been supported by the family and organizations such as the VSDP and the All India Nadar Association.
The exhumation process began early yesterday at 5 a.m. following a court directive based on complaints from local residents seeking clarity on the cause of death. Police cordoned off the residence and surrounding area as dawn broke. Women police officers were stationed inside and outside the house where Gopan Swami’s wife and children reside. After completing preparations for the inquest, a team led by Sub-Collector OV Alfred, Neyyattinkara Tahsildar Nandakumaran, Neyyattinkara DySP Shaji S, Nedumangad DySP Arun KS, and Special Branch DySP Jayakumar T arrived at the site and spoke with the family, requesting their cooperation with the exhumation and post-mortem process. The officials also requested the family to receive the body after post-mortem.
By 7:30 a.m., the burial site was opened, and the body was exhumed. Inquest procedures were completed under the supervision of local ward councillors Ajitha and Prasannakumar. The body was then transported via ambulance to the Medical College hospital for examination. Gopan Swami's son Sanandan, ward councillors, and police officials also went to the Medical College. The post-mortem was completed by 2 p.m, and the body was handed over to the family. By 3 p.m., it was transported to NIMS and later moved to the mortuary.