Shiroor seer died of cirrhosis: FSL report

MANGALURU: Putting an end to the mystery surrounding the death of Shiroor Mutt seer Lakshmivara Theertha Swami, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report has reportedly concluded the 55-year-old seer died due to cirrhosis, and not due to poisoning.

Sources in the Udupi district police quoting the Mangaluru FSL report said the cause of the pontiff ’s death was cirrhosis. The FSL report has been sent to Kasturba Hospital doctors to examine the test results. It will take some time to come to a conclusion about the exact cause of the death. Udupi superintendent of police Laxman Nimbargi confirmed receiving the report, but refused to comment on its details.

Cops may question Kasturba hosp doctors

With the FSL report ruling out poisoning, the focus now shifts to doctors at Kasturba Hospital, who, in their preliminary report, had suspected poisoning as a possible cause of death.

Lakshmivara Theertha was declared dead hours after he fell ill and was shifted to Kasturba Hospital in Manipal on July 18. According to doctors, he was suffering from severe breathlessness, hyper tension and massive gastrointestinal bleeding.

“We’ll question the doctors about their statement suspecting poisoning. We will record their statements and examine the case from all the angles,” Udupi police said.

Cops have so far questioned over 80 people after the seer’s kin alleged foul play. “People picked up for questioning never spoke about poisoning or murder plot. Based on these inputs, we ruled out foul play. However, reports about the seer’s link with real estate agents and his alleged relationships are true,” sources claimed.