Udupi: Minister for Urban Development and Housing U T Khader said that the Udupi district administration will decide if CBI probe is needed regarding the death of Shiroor Math Seer Lakshmivarateertha Swami. He spoke to the media after he visited Shiroor Math on Friday to pay respects to the tomb of Shiroor Math Seer.

“I could not attend the funeral as I had an urgent meeting with the chief minister in Bengaluru. I came here to pay respects to the tomb and for the love and affection I had towards swamiji. He used to treat me like his little brother. The district administration will take further step regarding CBI or CID investigation. We are not going to interfere in the department process. The government will take action according to the report given by the district authority. We will intervene in the case, only if we receive complaints. As per my knowledge the CM or DCM will not issue any order. It is up to the DC of Udupi,” he said.

Khader also denied commenting on the stands of other senior swamijis of Ashta Math. “I have no ability to speak about senior seers; they are the guiding forces of the society. I am limited to my own parameter. I respect Pejawar Swamiji, I will not speak about others,” he said.