Thiruvananthapuram: With the Kerala High Court refusing to issue a stay, police are likely to proceed with the exhumation of Gopan Swami's body on Thursday. Manorama News reported that the district administration has given its go-ahead for the plan.

Police are likely to deploy more force in the area as they expect resistance from the family and some right-wing Hindu outfits. 

Swami's son Sanandhan claimed his 78-year-old father passed away on Saturday morning. He and his brother, Rajasenan, performed the last rites near their home and entombed him. The family also constructed a shrine for him.

However, a neighbour filed a complaint stating that Swami had gone missing, prompting the police to register a case and seek the collector’s permission to exhume the body.

Exhumation efforts were halted on Monday due to protests by the family and escalating tensions in the area. Despite discussions involving the sub-collector and the police, the family refused to cooperate.