Petition seeking CBI probe on Swami's death dismissed

Kochi, June 20 (UNI) Kerala High Court today dismissed a writ petition seeking CBI investigation into the suspecious death of Swami Saswatikananda, former general secretary of the Sivagiri Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust.

Mr Justice A K Basheer observed that there was no infirmity in the investigation by the police and the conclusion arrived by them that the death of Swami Saswatikananda was due to 'accidental drowning.' The body of the Swami was found in river Periyar at Aluva on July 1, 2002.

In the writ petition, filed by Swami Sivanandagiri, president, Maharshi Malayala Swamy Gurukulam Trust, and N Kousalya, mother of the deceased, it was alleged that police did not conduct proper investigation into the case.

The High Court was of the view that the allegations raised by the petitioners were based on hear-say information and there was no cogent material to substantiate their plea for a CBI investigation.

UNI XR PMM VV SHB DB2004