Shirur Mutt Seer Lakshmivara Tirtha Dies, Poisoning Suspected

Udupi's Krishna temple head seer Lakshmivara Tirtha Swami (55) died this morning. According to a press release issued by the Kasturba Hospital in Manipal, the seer was found to be critically ill with breathlessness, severe hypertension and massive gastrointestinal bleed, with a history of diarrhoea and illness for a few weeks. Due to suspicion of poisoning, toxicological samples have been sent for examination, it said.

It is learnt that the Shirur mutt seer had differences with certain people from the mutts. "Last month, the seer told me he faced a threat to his life, when he discussed about the conflict of interests between several mutts," Ravi Kiran, the advocate who helped the seer in filing a caveat against six mutts in an Udipi court said.

The lawyer further said, "When he was not well, the seer had kept Lord Vittal's idol in the main mutt, and he also discussed with me about his plans to file a criminal case, for which we had prepared a petition. But, this morning he passed away. There must be a fair, scientific probe."

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara condoled the seer's death, saying the police will definitely look into the possibility of foul play. BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje said the seer dedicated his life for giving the message of peace and humanity.

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