Lakshmivara Theertha Swami may have been poisoned

Hours after the death of Lakshmivara Theertha Swami of Shiroor Mutt (one of the Ashta Mutts of Udupi) at KMC Hospital following complications of food poisoning, it is now suspected that the seer may have been poisoned.

Dr Avinash Shetty, who treated the seer, told the media that poison was found in the seer's body and the same had been communicated to the police.

"He was suffering from pain in his abdomen. We tried our level best to revive the seer, but he died due to multiple organ failure," Dr Shetty said.

"We suspect that he may have been poisoned. We have informed the police," Dr Shetty said.

Meanwhile, a few seers, who were close to Lakshmivara Theertha Swami, have sought a detailed investigation into the seer's suspicious death.

Vishwa Vijaya Teertha Swami said: "It is not a natural death. There should be a detailed probe."

Vishwa Vijaya Teertha Swami was the junior pontiff of Pejawar Mutt. However, he had stepped down.

The Kemaru Mutt seer said: "It is not the age for death. He was healthy. He was much worried over controversy surrounding the idol of the presiding deity of his Mutt."

He termed the reports of food poisoning as false.

"It is false that he suffered from food poisoning after the Vanamahotsava programme. Those who consumed the food along with him should have suffered from the food poisoning if such reports are true," he said.

"The government should consider his death seriously and order a detailed probe," he urged.