The Hurt and Homicide Wing of the Crime Branch had concluded two years ago that Swami Saswatikananda, former president of the Sivagiri Mutt, died “due to drowning” and there were no doubts regarding the cause of the death even as the controversy over the death is raging.
In his closure report submitted before the Sub Divisional Magistrate Court, Fort Kochi, on December 31, 2013, K.G. Simon, the investigation officer, stated that the Swami was accidentally caught in the undercurrent of the Periyar, into which he stepped in for bathing.
The Swami reportedly died on July 1, 2002, at 9.30 a.m.
The Swami reached the Advaithashram, Aluva, to attend the director board meeting of the Sivagiri Mutt along with his personal assistants Sabu, Subhash, and Swami Sookshmananda at 8.45 a.m. on the fateful day, the report said.
In the report, Mr. Simon stated that he questioned 114 persons, including Biju Ramesh, who had recently demanded a fresh inquiry into the Swami’s death, before arriving at the conclusion.
