Ramya Shetty, who was allegedly close to the late Shiroor Mutt seer Lakshmivara Thirtha Swamiji of Udupi, Karnataka, was arrested along with three other women, when she was trying to flee wearing a burqa fearing further questioning.

Rumours of her visiting Shiroor Mutt, staying there often, and wearing the seer's jewellery, including chain and bangles, had led to the police questioning her. Ramya is believed to have brought fruits for the Shiroor seer on Monday, just three days before the seer's death.

Ramya was taken to the police station for questioning, though after initial interrogation, she was let out. With more rumours of her alleged closeness to the seer coming out, reports said that she planned to escape and boarded a car with two other women wearing burqa.

However, the car broke near a temple at Belthangadi in Dakshina Kannada district. When the residents there questioned the women inside the car, they grew suspicious and informed the police. Accordingly, the Venoor police reached the spot and arrested Ramya.

She has been currently handed over to Udupi police. Reports also point to Ramya carrying a box of jewellery, which has been seized by the police. Value of the gold ornaments is not known yet.