Shiroor seer ‘death’: Experts leave ‘cause of death’ section blank in autopsy report

coastaldigest.com web desk
July 31, 2018

Udupi, Jul 31: Even though the Kasturba Hospital of Manipal submitted the post-mortem report on the death of Lakshmivara Teertha Swami of Shiroor Mutt to the Udupi district on Monday, the experts have kept the “cause of death” section blank, which will be filled up only after reports from the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL).

Sources in the Police Department said that the RFSL report would be available in four to six weeks.

Meanwhile, the police investigating the sensational death case are probing whether the seer was administered poison to save the image of Sri Krishna Mutt, a source privy to the developments said.

According to the source, police have added this as the fourth angle to the case. They have brushed aside all other possibilities for the time being, and are focusing on investigating if an external force administered the poison to the controversial seer.

The Shiroor seer had passed away on July 19 at the Kasturba Hospital in Manipal. The press statement issued by the Kasturba Hospital on the seer’s death, the same day had said that there was “suspicion of poisoning” and the toxicological samples had been sent for test.

Meanwhile, the ‘Aradhane’ ceremony of Lakshivara Tirtha Swami, which should have been held on July 31 (Tuesday) at the ‘vrindavana’ near the ‘moola mutt’ in Shiroor village, about 22 km from Udupi, had been postponed till the police completed their investigations there.

The police have been conducting investigations at the ‘moola mutt’ ever since the Shiroor seer passed away.

Laxman Nimbargi, Superintendent of Police, said that the police had requested the Sode Mutt for the possession of the ‘moola mutt’ for some more days as the investigations were still being done there. The Sode Mutt had agreed to the request, he said. The performance of the ‘Aradhane’ would have led to an invitation for over 1,000 devotees for meals at the ‘moola mutt,’ which would have caused problems for the investigations, hence a request was made to the Sode Mutt, the police said.

Comments

Kumar
 - 
Tuesday, 31 Jul 2018

I dont think, Normal FOOD poison can cause death. Somebody mixed something toxic substance

Suresh
 - 
Tuesday, 31 Jul 2018

I think no involvement from outside and somebody's hand from inside mutt only worked for his death

Ramprasad
 - 
Tuesday, 31 Jul 2018

I predict, finally death reason connects his asset issue and karnataka poll

Ibrahim
 - 
Tuesday, 31 Jul 2018

If any conspiracy worked out behind seer's demise, then question of security will arise. It proving that anybody can reach near seer and kill easily.

Danish
 - 
Tuesday, 31 Jul 2018

No hurry for the details. But it should be fair. #JusticeForSeer

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: In a decisive move to tackle the city’s deteriorating sanitation infrastructure, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has announced a massive ₹1,200 crore action plan to overhaul its underground drainage (UGD) network.

The initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner and MCC Administrator Darshan HV, aims to bridge "missing links" in the current system that have left residents grappling with overflowing sewage and environmental hazards.

The Breaking Point

The announcement follows a high-intensity phone-in session on Thursday, where the DC was flooded with grievances from frustrated citizens. Residents, including Savithri from Yekkur, described a harrowing reality: raw sewage from apartments leaking into stormwater drains, creating a "permanent stink" and turning residential zones into mosquito breeding grounds.

"We are facing immense difficulties due to the stench and the health risks. Local officials have remained silent until now," one resident reported during the session.

The Strategy: A Six-Year Vision

DC Darshan HV confirmed that the proposed plan is not a temporary patch but a comprehensive six-year roadmap designed to accommodate Mangaluru’s projected population growth. Key highlights of the plan include:

•    Infrastructure Expansion: Laying additional pipelines to connect older neighborhoods to the main grid.

•    STP Crackdown: Stricter enforcement of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) regulations. While new apartments are required to have functional STPs, many older buildings lack them entirely, and several newer units are reportedly non-functional.

•    Budgetary Push: The plan has already been discussed with the district in-charge minister and the Secretary of the Urban Development Department. It is slated for formal presentation in the upcoming state budget.

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News Network
December 16,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 16: The Mangaluru City police have significantly escalated their campaign against drug trafficking, arresting 25 individuals and booking 12 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act between November 30 and December 13. The crackdown resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of illicit substances, including 685.6 grams of MDMA and 1.5 kg of ganja.

The success of this recent drive has been significantly boosted by the city’s innovative, QR code-based anonymous reporting system.

"The anonymous reporting system has received an encouraging response. Several recent arrests were made based on inputs received through this system, helping police tighten the noose around drug peddlers," said the City Police Commissioner.

The latest arrests contribute to a robust year-to-date record, underscoring the police's relentless commitment to combating the drug menace.

Up to December 14 this year, the police have registered a total of 107 cases of drug peddling, leading to the arrest of 219 peddlers. Furthermore, they have booked 562 cases of drug consumption, resulting in the arrest of 671 individuals.

The scale of the seizure for the year reflects the magnitude of the problem being tackled: police have seized 320.6 kg of ganja worth ₹88.7 lakh and 1.4 kg of MDMA valued at ₹1.2 crore. Other significant seizures include hydro-weed ganja worth ₹94.7 lakh and cocaine worth ₹1.9 lakh, among others.

The Commissioner emphasized a policy of rigorous enforcement: "We ensure that peddlers are caught red-handed so that they cannot later dispute the case or claim innocence."

To counter the rising trend of substance abuse among youth, the Mangaluru City police have rolled out uniform guidelines for random drug testing across educational institutions.

As part of the drive, tests were conducted in approximately 100 institutions, screening an estimated 5,500 to 6,000 students in the first phase. 20 students tested positive for drug consumption during the initial screening.

Students who tested positive have been provided counselling and are scheduled for re-testing in the second quarter. The testing will also be expanded to students not covered in the first phase. In a move to ensure strict implementation, police personnel were deployed in mufti in some institutions. Reiterating a zero-tolerance stance, the Commissioner confirmed that random testing will continue, and colleges have also been instructed to conduct drug tests at the time of admission to deter substance abuse from an early stage.

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News Network
December 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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