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The disappearance of Gopan Swami refers to a controversial case in Neyyattinkara, a town in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India. The incident involves the mysterious circumstances surrounding the alleged death of Gopan Swami, a retired daily wage worker and devout Hindu, whose family claimed he attained "Samadhi", a Hindu spiritual state often associated with death. The case has sparked significant public and legal attention due to conflicting narratives, religious sensitivities, and law enforcement investigations.

Background

Gopan Swami, a man in his late sixties, was a retired daily wage laborer known for his deep devotion to Hindu practices. He resided in Neyyatinkara with his family. On January 9, 2024, neighbors reported him missing to the police, prompting an investigation. When the authorities inquired, Gopan’s relatives stated that he had attained Samadhi and was interred in a concrete tomb near their home.

Police investigation

The police initially treated the case as a missing person report. However, discrepancies in the family’s statements and the absence of a medical death certificate raised suspicions. The Kerala High Court directed the district administration to exhume the body for forensic examination to determine the cause of death and verify the family’s claims.

Resistance to exhumation

Attempts by the police and district administration to exhume the body on January 13, 2024, faced fierce resistance from Gopan’s family. His wife, Sulochana, and their sons, Sanandan and Rajasenan, protested vehemently, sitting in front of the tomb and refusing to allow its opening. The family argued that exhumation would hurt religious sentiments.

The situation escalated as leaders from Hindu organizations such as the Hindu Aikya Vedi and VSDP arrived at the scene, objecting to the exhumation on religious grounds. Meanwhile, local residents demanded that the tomb be opened, alleging that these leaders were outsiders interfering in the matter.

Despite deploying a large contingent of police to manage the protest, the authorities postponed the exhumation due to mounting tensions at the site. The district collector, Anu Kumari, had ordered the process, but further steps were deferred to avoid conflict. The exhumation was postponed to 16 January, 2025.

On 16 January, exhumation was conducted and the remains were shifted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College for forensic examination.

References

1. "Gopan Swami's death: Kerala Police exhume body, begin inquest". The Hindu. 16 January 2025. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
2. "Police to exhume body of Gopan Swami after suspicious burial claims in Kerala". The New Indian Express. 13 January 2025. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
3. "Controversy Erupts Over Demolition Of Tomb Of Man Who Attained 'Samadhi' In Thiruvananthapuram". ETV Bharat News. 13 January 2025. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
4. "Kerala Samadhi case: HC asks family why death was not registered". The News Minute. 15 January 2025. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
5. "Police plan to demolish Gopan Swami's tomb sparks protest from family; Dramatic scenes unfold". English.Mathrubhumi. 13 January 2025. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
6. ^ "Kerala: The curious case of Gopan 'Swami' who is 'missing'; family says he attained 'samadhi'". The New Indian Express. 15 January 2025. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
7. "Neyyattinkara Gopan Swami samadhi: Body found inside concrete chamber". Neyyattinkara Gopan Swami samadhi: Body found inside concrete chamber. Retrieved 16 January 2025.