Disappearance of Gopan Swami

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 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, 2025, 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, 2025, 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 (Vaikunda Swami Dharma Pracharana Sabha) 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.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu