12/07/97 - 1333

ISKCON Statement On Poison Investigation

USA (VNN) - ISKCON has released an official statement regarding the ongoing poison investigation:

STATEMENT by ISKCON

Certain conspiracy theorists have been propagating of late the allegation that the founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), met his demise on November 14, 1977, due to intentional poisoning at the hands of his own disciples.

The Governing Body Commission (GBC) of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness considers this charge both absurd and offensive. Based on considerable testimony from those present at the time, and on its own preliminary internal study, the GBC is convinced that no such evil deed or even intention existed at the time. The GBC is certain that Srila Prabhupada's passing was due to entirely natural causes, as his doctors stated.

Some persons have claimed that they heard the word "poison" whispered on a tape said to have been made in Srila Prabhupadaís room. Many others, however, find the whispers indecipherable. In other words, one can read into the whisper almost any thing one chooses.

Nonetheless, some persons are bent on establishing the false and malicious theory that some of Prabhupada's own disciples conspired to poison him.

To refute this charge beyond the slightest doubt, the GBC has given the original tape over to independent forensic experts for detailed analysis. The singular purpose is to lay to rest malevolently motivated theories about Srila Prabhupadaís passing.

According to Balavanta dasa, head of independent investigation, "Initial reports from two of the forensic laboratories ñ both of which used equipment more sophisticated than any previously applied -- do not find the word "poison" on the tape and do not support allegations of any wrongdoing." It is now clear to the GBC that the report of taped whispering conspirators is a false alarm.

The GBC is confident that the final forensic report will confirm these preliminary findings.

The independent investigator will continue a thorough reconstruction of Srila Prabhupadaís final days, which will be a valuable historical document in its own right. He expects to have this available by February, 1998.