Probe in all directions, many interrogated: SP
Suspicious death of Shiroor seer
Udupi, July 21: SP Lakshman Nimbargi said that investigation was being conducted in all directions on the suspicious death of Lakshmivara Tirtha Swamiji of Shiroor Mutt and many were being interrogated related to the case.
Speaking to media at his office here on Saturday, the SP said that the swamiji who was admitted to the Gandhi hospital on July 17 following food poisoning, was shifted to KMC hospital of Manipal on July 18. But the doctors declared his death on July 19 at 8.30 am as he was not responded to the treatment. But there was no clarity on how he died and what food he had taken, he added.
When asked about the missing of some documents and things in the Shiroor Moola Mutt, the SP said that there was no such possibility after providing security to the mutt. If such thing happened, they would investigate it thoroughly. Shiroor Moola Mutt has CCTV cameras and the police teams would check the footage in detail. The police would also investigate on financial transaction between the swamiji and others, he said declining to answer the question on links with the underworld.
Investigation from many teams
As the incident happened in the Hiriyadka police station limit, Brahmavar circle inspector Shrikant was the investigating officer and he was being guided by Karkala DySP Belliyappa. Apart from this, many teams of expert and senior police officers were formed to investigate the case in all directions, the SP said.
Shiroor Mutt in Udupi and Moola Mutt near Hiriyadka were given police security. But the regular religious rituals in the mutt would not be affected by the security. The entry of people was restricted to some places in the mutt as there was a chance of missing the evidences and in view of the visit of senior police officers. Till the investigation is over, those places would be under police control. Investigation is being conducted even in the Shiroor mutt at Udupi, he said.
On phone record of Shiroor swamiji, the SP said that they have not yet checked the record. If needed, it would be taken into account and checked. There were lot of rumours about the death of the swamiji. But the police have taken it very carefully as it was a challenging one, he said and exuded confidence of cracking the case as early as possible.
FSL report
It would take minimum two weeks to get autopsy report. Cattle trader Hussainabba death autopsy report also came after two weeks. But it would take minimum six weeks to get FSL(Forensic Sicence Laboratory) report as each and every organ in the body will have to be tested. Till then, it was not possible to ascertain the cause of the death exactly, the SP said.
No one arrested
The police have not yet arrested anyone related to the case. But he would not disclose anything now as it would mislead the investigation. The police have been investigating the case as per the complaint lodged by the brother of the swamiji, the SP said.
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Kerala government to create microsite on ‘Islam in Kerala’ to boost tourism
Thiruvananthapuram: In a bid to showcase Kerala’s rich Islamic heritage and attract a diverse range of tourists, the Kerala government will create a microsite on ‘Islam in Kerala’. The initiative, supported by Kerala Tourism, will feature a comprehensive digital presentation tracing the historical and cultural roots of Islam in the state. Kerala Tourism has sanctioned a sum of Rs 93.8 lakh for the development of the microsite, which aims to highlight the socio-cultural evolution of Islam in Kerala over centuries.
Islam has a deep-rooted history in Kerala, dating back to the 7th century. The microsite will serve as a digital platform to explore the role of Islam in shaping Kerala’s history, architecture, lifestyle, arts, and cultural practices.
The microsite will be divided into six chapters, each highlighting a distinct aspect of Islamic heritage in Kerala, aimed at both domestic and international travellers. According to an RTI filed recently, the content for the microsite is currently under development, with active research being carried out. Field shoots are being conducted at various historic mosques across the state to visually document it.
The first chapter, ‘History of Islam in Kerala’ will focus on the early introduction of Islam in the region, particularly through traders and their first settlement along the Malabar coast, as reported by The Hindu.
Chapter two will be on the Islamic pilgrim centres in Kerala such as Beemapally in Thiruvananthapuram and Juma Masjid in Kasaragod. A host of ancient mosques which are pilgrim centres, including the Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kodungallur, Jama-at Mosque in Malappuram, Mishkal Mosque in Kozhikode, Odathil Palli in Thalassery, Palayam Mosque in Thiruvananthapuram, Ponnani Juma Masjid, Pazhayangadi Mosque in Kondotty and Vavar Mosque in Erumely, will be featured, the publication added.
A third chapter will delve into the rich culinary skills of Muslims — Mappila cuisine, the distinct culinary tradition that blends traditional Kerala, Persian, Yemeni, and Arab influences. This segment will highlight the vibrant costumes of the community, including weddings, pre-wedding, and post-wedding ceremonies, which are expected to be an attraction for tourists.
Another chapter will focus on architecture, particularly the fusion of Arabic and indigenous construction techniques seen in the state.
The final chapter will cover art forms and festivals celebrated by Muslims in Kerala, including the influence of Mappila songs, a form of folklore that emerged in the 16th century.
“There is a need to bring together all the information on Islam, which played an important role in shaping Kerala, under one roof, as part of tourism promotion. This will help tourists and play a major role in bringing religious scholars, historians, students, and pilgrims to Kerala,” a senior officer with Kerala Tourism told the news outlet.
The launch date of the ‘Islam in Kerala’ microsite has not been decided yet. Earlier, Kerala Tourism had created similar microsites on Christianity, Judaism, and temples in Kerala.
