Threat to pontiff who backed Shiroor Matha seer

Udupi: With various theories circulating related to the death of Shiroor Matha seer Shri Lakshmivara Teertha Swamiji, police teams are carefully probing the deterioration in the health of the Swamiji and whether it led to his death.

The suspicion over the seer's mysterious demise had increased after the Swamiji's brother complained to the police and a hospital statement raised doubts about the possibility of poisoning. The police are waiting for the post-mortem report and are also probing if his death was due to his deteriorating health.

Sources said the police have gathered information from the hospital authorities about the various ailments related to the kidney and liver from which the Swamiji was suffering since the past few months due to consumption of alcohol. They have collected his detailed medical history from all the hospitals where he was treated in the past.

Police officials have also reportedly received information that the liver was completely damaged and was in a life threatening condition and there were swelling on his leg and body. It is said that the last minute changes in the body could be an indication of the deterioration in the seer’s health. It is also believed that the gastrointestinal bleeding which the hospital had observed, could be because of his consumption of alcohol.

Meanwhile Kemaru Matha seer Esha Vittaladasa Swamiji, a close associate of the Shiroor Swamiji, who had given a statement in his support, is said to be receiving warning messages from unknown numbers on his phone and also derogatory messages on social media.

The Kemaru Matha swamiji who had raised doubts about the cause of death of Shiroor Swamiji, had met the Udupi district SP two days ago asking for a proper probe into the case. He had also expressed unhappiness over the statements made by Pejawar Swamiji against Shiroor Swamiji.  It is said that some supporters of Pejwar Swamiji were angry with Kemar Swamiji and were sending the messages. 

"I have been getting messages on my mobile phone from some people. They are also blaming me on social media. I have not said anything bad against Pejawar Swamiji. I will not complain about this to the police now. However if the messages increase, I will consider complaining to the cops," Kemar Swamiji said.