Monk hospitalized since April 26 dies

Surat: A monk associated with a Swaminarayan temple under the jurisdiction of Laskana police station, who was under treatment since April 26, died on Friday.

Priyadarshan Swami (48), had been undergoing treatment after he was found unconscious at a school campus in the Valak Patiya area, where he was living. He was rushed to a private hospital, where he remained in critical condition before succumbing.

Police registered a case of accidental death and launched an investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that the saint was found unconscious after allegedly consuming an excessive quantity of sleeping pills.

Investigators said Priyadarshan Swami had been suffering from severe migraine for the past five years and was undergoing treatment for the condition. During his hospitalisation, medical tests also revealed that he was suffering from pneumonia and that his lungs had been severely affected. Police said it is yet to be ascertained whether the pneumonia developed before or after the alleged consumption of sleeping pills.

“Prima facie, we have found that he consumed excessive sleeping pills. Further investigation will proceed after we receive the viscera and final postmortem reports,” a police officer from Laskana police station said.

Police are also expected to record statements of the deceased’s family members, followers and fellow saints as part of the investigation.