Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (DC)

Udupi, Jul 19: "The government would, if necessary, order an enquiry into the death of Shiroor Math seer Lakshmivara Theertha Swami," said chief minister H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday July 19.

“Some people are terming it to be a suspicious death. If necessary, an enquiry will be ordered,” he told reporters who sought to know whether the government will order a probe.

Meanwhile, deputy chief minister and home minister Dr G Parameshwara too said that he will order a probe into the death. "I was shocked to hear the news of his death. He had done a good job as a seer. Some of his followers are raising questions over his sudden death. Therefore, we will order a probe," he said.

H D Kumaraswamy

Vishwesha Theertha Swami, senior pontiff of Pejawar Math, who was in Hubballi, reacting to the death news, has said that he will not attend the last rites of Shiroor Math seer. "I will not attend the final rites. If I get an invite I will attend. It is not mandatory that I should attend the last rites. I pray that his soul rests in peace."

Meanwhile, refuting reports that the Shiroor Math might have been killed by poisoning, he said, "Why would someone kill the Shiroor seer? His brothers also have claimed that he suffered food poisoning."

Lakshmivara Theertha died after a brief illness on July 19. According to Math sources, he died of suspected food poisoning. The seer was rushed to KMC hospital in Manipal after he complained of severe pain in his stomach. His followers have alleged that Lakshmivara Theertha was poisoned.