Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala told the media that the renewed probe was ordered in light of "fresh evidence".
The Kerala government has ordered a new investigation into the death of a religious leader around 13 years ago.
The move comes after liquor baron Biju Ramesh's allegation that a leader of the backward caste outfit Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam or SNDP had a role in the death of Swami Saswathikanada, the chief priest at the Sivagiri Mutt.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala told the media that the renewed probe was ordered in light of "fresh evidence".
SNDP leader V Natesan recently had met BJP leaders in Delhi, reportedly to explore possibilities of alliance in the Kerala local body and Assembly elections.
Liquor baron Biju Ramesh, also an Ezhava community leader, is seen as a rival of Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam General Secretary V Natesan.
Mr Natesan, who has denied these allegations, has welcomed the re-opening of the case and said "the re-investigations will not bring out anything against him".
The police probe earlier had stated downing as the reason for the Swami's death.
SNDP representing the Ezhva community, is a prominent voting bank in Kerala, and traditionally seen as pro-CPI-M.