THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: More demands have been raised from different quarters for a fresh probe into the death of Swami Saswathikananda, the then head of the Sivagiri mutt, who allegedly drowned in Periyar river on July 1, 2002.
Those who made the demands include Ms Santha, sister of Saswathikananda, Sivagiri Mutt head Swami Prakashananda and former BJP state president P. S. Sreedharan Pillai.
Ms Santha said that SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellapally Natesan and his son and Yogam vice-president Tushar Vellapally should undergo a polygraph test in the case.
She would write to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala seeking a detailed probe into his death, she added.
Ms Santha alleged that hitman Priyan was at the Aluva Advaitashramam on that day when the Swami allegedly drowned in the river where he had taken bath after having a full tonsure.
She also claimed that Priyan was dropped by Praveen at the ashram and that her brother had told her that it was Praveen’s father who had told him this. It is alleged that Priyan was involved in the murder of Praveen of Ettumanoor, Kottayham, later.
“I doubt that Vellapally Natesan’s request for a CBI probe is to sabotage the investigation. I have decided to write to the CM and the Home Minister seeking a polygraph test on Vellapally and his son,” said Ms Santha.
Swami Prakashananda said in Kottayam that a further probe into his death was required. He alleged that there was a deep cut on Saswathikananda’s forehead when the body was brought ashore.
“I was informed that the wound was caused when the body was brought to the shore which is doubtful. The Swami’s body would have floated if he had drowned. But it was recovered from the pavement adjacent to the river,” said Prakashananda.
Embarrassing the state BJP leadership, former BJP state president P. S. Sreedharan Pillai also demanded a further probe into the death of the Swami.
“His death is suspicious and the mystery behind it should be exposed. Those who have levelled new charges should hand over the evidence to the police for a reinvestigation,” he said.
