Shiroor seer’s death: SP dismisses rumours of arrests

Superintendent of Police Lakshman Nimbargi, on Saturday, dismissed rumours about the arrest or detention of the suspects in connection with the death of Shiroor Mutt seer Lakshmivarateertha Swami.

Speaking to reporters here, the SP said police were investigating the case from all angles.

He said, “the police have only restricted the entry of the public to Shiroor Mutt. The police have not interfered in the daily activities, including pooja rituals, in the mutt.”

He said teams, led DySP Belliappa and Brahmavar Circle Inspector Srikanth, had been constituted to probe the case.

A large number of devotees and followers of Lakshmivarateertha led by Kemaru Mutt seer Esha Vittala and Vajradehi Mutt seer Rajashekarananda Swami approached the
SP and urged him to initiate an impartial probe.

The Kemaru Mutt seer said, “The doctor who has treated the late seer has suspected there was poison content in his blood. Whatever may be the reason, we want justice.”

“A case is registered under a CrPC section. It is mild and will help the suspects get away,” he said.

The seer appealed to the SP to register a fresh case. However, the SP said there was no requirement for a fresh case to be registered. After the police get post mortem report, if there is any evidence to support the charges, the case automatically gets shifted under serious charges.

On the charges by Pejawar seer Vishweshateertha Swami against the late seer, Esha Vittala said, “Pejawar seer should not have indulged in defaming the seer after his death. It is not saintly behaviour. Such statements mislead the probe.” He said, “The late seer had issues with an entrepreneur from Mumbai. The entrepreneur was about to return the money he had taken by the seer.”

In Karwar, Leader of the Opposition in the Council Kota Srinivasa Poojary said he had written to the Home minister seeking an impartial probe. He said he hoped for a breakthrough in the next couple of days.