Cops seize kitchen items, food at mutt

The ban on accessing Shiroor mutt will be in force till the police investigation is completed.

UDUPI : Continuing their probe into the death of Lakshmivara Teertha Swamji of Udupi Shiroor mutt, the police have seized the items used in the kitchen of the mutt. They are looking at the kitchen equipment and food consumed by the seer following the suspicious nature of his death. The police may also take footage from CCTV cameras installed in and around the mutt near Shiroor village, sources said. IGP (western range) Arun Chakravarthy visited Shiroor Moola Mutt and led the investigating team on Thursday soon after the seer’s last rites. Udupi superintendent of police Laxman Nimbargi accompanied the IGP.

Lathavya Acharya, brother of Lakshmivara Theertha, has already filed a complaint at Hiriyadka police station. The district police have restrained people from entering Shiroor mutt premises on Car Street in Udupi. Similar restrictions are in place at Shiroor Moola mutt near Hiriayadka. The ban on accessing Shiroor mutt will be in force till the police investigation is completed, police sources said. The district police have been keeping a close watch on the activities in the mutt. 

Search on for successor
Sode mutt pontiff Vishwavallabha Theertha said, “We are looking for an eligible person to Lakshmivara Teertha at Shiroor mutt. Under the guidance of senior pontiffs, the process of selection of an heir will begin,” he said. Social activist Ansar Ahmed has urged the district administration to seize the important documents that are in the Shiroor mutt as there are chances of their misuse.

Khader says Udupi DC may decide on CBI probe
Udupi: DEPUTY Commissioner of Udupi district may decide if CBI probe is required to probe the death of Shiroor Seer, said Urban Development and Housing Minister U T Khader here on Friday. He spoke to reporters after visiting Shiroor Moola Mutt to pay respects to the tomb of Shiroor Mutt Seer. “I could not attend the funeral as I had an urgent meeting with the Chief Minister in Bengaluru yesterday. I came here to pay respects to the tomb. He used to treat me like his brother’’ Khader said. He also denied commenting on the stands of other senior seers of Ashta Mutt.

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