International Cultic Studies Association
 Department: Group Report - Hare Krishna

Vol. 1, No. 1, 2001
_______________________________________________
Featured Group Report

Hare Krishna: news articles 1987
 
ISKCON in the News Articles from the Cult Observer 1984-1999 

1987 

January/February

Krishna Devotee Guilty of Murder (p. 5) Hare Krishna dissident Thomas Drescher, 37, was found guilty Dec. 5 by a West Virginia jury of the first-degree murder of Charles Saint Denis, another devotee, at the sect's New Vrindaban commune. on June 10, 1983. Sentencing is scheduled for January 15. 

Jury foreman Timothy Shrout, county prosecutor Thomas White, and defense lawyer Robert McWillia agreed that the key testimony came from four people who said Dresch bragged to them of how he had killed Saint Denis, whose body has never been found. The witnesses included two former senior aides at the commune, a police informer, and Nick Tsacrios, husband of St. Denis' former lover, Deborah Gere. 

The witnesses testified that Drescher said he shot Saint Denis 10 to I2 times, and that he and Dan Reid, another Krishna follower, then stabbed the victim repeatedly. 'The two then allegedly placed the body in a pre-dug grave and poured corrosive chemicals over the remains. Reid, 31,.has also been charged with Saint Denis' murder and faces a January 31 trial in West Virginia. 

Drescher is also charged with the May 22, 1986 murder of another dissident Krishna follower, Steven Bryant, whose body was found in a van in Los Angeles. Bryant had threatened to expose criminal misconduct by sect leaders. 

During the trial, defense lawyers described intrigues involving sex and drugs among members of the sect, and maintained that the witnesses were lying. Public defender McWilliams said that St. Denis was a "womanizer" who had in the past disappeared for years at a time.  From the Los Angeles Times December 6, 1986, Part I, p. 14 and the New York Times December 1 1986 

Krishnas Lose Farm (p. 8) Eighty Hare Krishna followers are about to lose their 55-acre commune in the town of Cochecton, in New York state's Catskill Mountains. The previous owners of the property, Camp Co-Chec-Ton, Inc. of Brooklyn have begun foreclosure proceedings on ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) for defaulting on a $212,000 mortgage. The property also figures into a California lawsuit against ISKCON which has resulted in the group's assets being frozen. From the Record [Sullivan County, NY] September 24, 1986, p. 5 

Krishnas in Ireland (p. 14) On July 20, over 500 Hare Krishna devotees from all over Ireland gathered on the small island of Inish Rath for the opening of a new temple and conference complex. The 22-acre island, formerly owned by the Earl of Erne, was bought by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) two years ago for 120,000. From the Belfast Telegraph July 21, 1986, p. 4  

March/April  

Body Found in Hare Krishna Murder (p. 11) A body believed to be that of Charles St. Denis, a Hare Krisha devotee who disappeared in 1983, was found Jan. 6 in a creekbed in the W. Virginia Krishna community of New Vrindaban. Dan Reid, who pleaded guilty in connection with St. Denis' slaying, agreed to lead police to the body as part of a plea bargain arrangement.

Witnesses at the trial of Thomas Drescher, who was convicted in December of St. Denis's murder, testified he and Reid killed St. Denis, and then tried to dissolve the body with acid. Reid, who will be sentenced Jan. 12, was allowed to plead guilty to a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter because he was not "the principal killer," said Marshall County Prosecutor Tom White.  From "Body Found in Krishna case," the New York Times January 8, 1987 

For ISKCON, Charity Begins - and Ends - at Home (p. 15) The London tabloid News of the World looked into the charitable status of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and found that most of the group's income in Britain is raised by selling on street comers. In 1983 only 38,000 out of over 800,000 went to charity, and an ISKCON official admitted that most of that had probably simply been transferred to a branch of the organization. 

A spokesman for the Charity Commission stated that there is nothing to prevent a religious charity from spending all its income in support of itself. From the FAIR News October 1986, P. 7  

France - French Krishnas Desert (p. 16) The Hare Krishna sect has all but disappeared in France save for about 50 diehards, virtually bankrupt and living in hardship in a chateau owned by the sect, which they will soon have to vacate for nonpayment of rent. Last September their spiritual leader, Shrila Bhagavan Das, formerly William Ehrlichman, returned home to the United States, taking the sects cash with him. 

Bhagavan, who claimed to have been sent to France in 1977 by the sect’s founder, Bhaktivendanta Swarni Prabhupada, is now widely considered a usurper. In the intervening 10 years, he became the head of a lucrative organization, spread throughout Western Europe, which earned a substantial revenue from begging, donations, the running of vegetarian restaurants, and the sale of books, records and religious objects. 

In 1984 French tax inspectors imposed a huge tax rectification on the sect, saying work carried out by its members could not be termed voluntary. 

As financial difficulties accumulated, so did desertion by members disgusted by Bhagavan's opulent lifestyle. From "Krishnas deserting in France," by Ariefle Vericy, Agence France-Presse, the Washington Times February 16, 1987, p. 51)  

Hare Krishnas Call for Swami's Resignation (p. 11) The North American Governing Body Commission (GBC) of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness has asked Kirtanananda Swanti Bhaktipada, 48, to resign from the commission. 

Bhaktipada is leader of the W. Va. Krishna community of New Vrindaban, which has been rocked by charges of corruption. Last December, Krishna follower Thomas Drescher was convicted of murdering another devotee, Charles St. Denis, on the 4,000-acre compound. 

The GBC statement says the controversy surrounding the 400-member community "has seriously called into question Kirtanananda Swami's ability to hold a position of leadership..." Bhaktipada is one of 24 members on the international commission. 

The GBC also charged that Bhaktipada has portrayed the criminal investigations into SL Denis' murder as collusion between the government and media to destroy the Hare Krishna  movement. 

"We disagree with this conclusion and feel that neither the law enforcement agencies involved nor the media is guilty of undue harassment, the GBC said. 

The GBC also alleged that Bhaktipada "accepts worship publicly," in contrast to a preference for an "increasingly humble role regarding demonstrations of respect' among ISKCON’s gurus. From "Swami in spotlight of Krishna dispute," the Washington Times, February 20, 1987

May/June

ACLU to Investigate Krishna Raid (p. 8) The West Virginia branch of the American Civil Liberties Union has begun an investigation into the Jan. 5 raid at the Hare Krishnas' New Vrindaban community during which federal and state agents seized computers, record albums, sports caps, and stickers as part of a probe into alleged copyright and trademark violations by members of the sect.

The New Vrindaban community has been accused of selling items without proper permission. But Krishna leaders maintain that no permission was necessary because the items were altered slightly from the originals. However, Bruce Smith, assistant U.S. attorney in Wheeling, said copyright laws protect copied items "together with any facsimilies (which) make people think it was the original." He said the items seized in the raid fell into the latter category.

Krishna spokesman Umapati Das said Krishna leaders met with ACLU state president Roger Forman and another ACLU official. Umapati said that the ACLU representatives were very interested and enthusiastic about the case.

"They said it was obviously a case of religious harassment... of people being deprived of their constitutional rights," Umapati said.

Forman, however, said it was too early in the investigation to determine the motivations of the federal agents who conducted the raid. He said possible directions taken by the ACLU could include the appealing of any court decisions or other legal actions.

"[T]he scope of the search appears to be excessive," Forman said. Krishna leaders have charged that the agents conducting the raid kicked down doors and took unnecessary personal files.

Asked to respond to the allegations of harassment, Bruce Smith repeated an earlier response from U.S. Attorney William Kolibash: "This investigation deals with individual persons. If they are members of the community, it is purely coincidental." Smith noted that Chief Federal Circuit Court Judge Robert E. Maxwell has already ruled that the search and seizure was done lawfully. From "ACLU Starts Probe Into Krishna Raid," the Wheeling, WV Intelligencer," February 25, 1987

Hare Krishnas Expel Swami Bhaktipada (p. 7) In a resolution passed at its headquarters in India, the governing body of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) voted March 18 to excommunicate Kirtanananda Swami Bhaktipada, the leader of New Vrindaban. The 600-resident West Virginia commune - the largest Krishna community in the world - is being investigated by federal authorities for numerous allegations of criminal activity, from drug dealing to child abuse.

The resolution said Bhaktipada, who is also the target of federal investigations, had undermined the worldwide religion and had created his own movement within it in an "attempt to establish himself as the sole spiritual heir to ISKCON."

A New Vrindaban spokesman called the excommunication an unjustified "political move," and said Bhaktipada would probably remain as leader of the community, which is incorporated independent of ISKCON.

Ron Bruch, president of the ISKCON temple in Philadelphia, said the governing body is forcing Bhaktipada's followers to decide whether to stay with him or go to another temple. He said he expected the majority to stay, although "some may re-evaluate."  From "Panel Votes to Dismiss Bhaktipada," the Wheeling Intelligencer, March 19, 1987, p. 1  

Krishna commune called "unhealthy" for children (p.  11) As the ongoing federal, state, and local investigations of the Hare Krishna community of New Vrindaban, WV., progresses, court documents and interviews with former devotees offer a sordid portrayal of life in a place where sexual abuse of children is condoned by sect leaders, where outbreaks of disease are common, where young girls have been forced under threat of expulsion to marry older men and men of high standing may take several wives, where women are kept in subjugation and are sometimes beaten, and where educational practices are grossly inadequate.

Concern over child welfare at the commune has increased since the headmaster of the Krishna school was charged with sexually molesting a child over a 6-year period.

Ex-devotee Christine Mills calls New Vrindaban "a dangerous, unhealthy, and immoral environment." In the lawsuit she has filed in an effort to remove her children from the commune, she says she fears for their safety. She tells of having once helped Krishna leaders hide a child during a similar custody dispute. The child was later taken to India to prevent his being returned to his mother.  From "Suffer the children at Hare Krishna commune," the San Jose Mercury News, March 21, 1987, p. IOC

Soviet Krishnas Seek Official Acceptance (p. 14) The Soviet branch of the Hare Krishnas is campaigning to have the organization registered with the government.

Previous attempts by the officially banned sect to acquire a legal basis have been turned down, and official persecution of the Krishnas has continued. Devotees are ostracized and publicly attacked, and 26 Krishna are currently incarcerated in Soviet camps or prisons. From "In Moscow, Soviet Krishnas Ask Permission to Practice Faith," the Washington Post, May 2, 1987, p. A 17   

July/August

Mother and Daughter Win $1.3 Million Award Against Krishnas (p. 1,2) Former Hare Krishna member Susan Murphy Erickson and her mother, Mary Murphy, were awarded $610,000 in damages against the Hare Krishna organization on June 16 by a Norfolk County Superior Court jury in Dedham, Massachusetts. Interest at 12% a year since the lawsuit was filed in 1977 brought the total judgment to $1.3 million.

Judge Robert W. Banks placed a $1.5 million attachment on the Hare Krishna temple in Boston to preserve the women's right to collect the award. The temple has taken out a $200,000 second mortgage to pay lawyers' fees. 

Susan testified that she dropped out of school and left home at age 14 to become a full-time Krishna devotee. She said that while living in the Boston temple in 1974-75 she was forced to beg on the street, slept about 5 hours a night, and ate two meals a day of cereal and potatoes.

James Frieden, the plaintiffs' attorney, said other Krishnas encouraged Susan to lie and steal and convinced her that all nondevotees, including her family, were meat-eating demons." 

Susan returned home at age 16 after her mother learned that the temple planned to send her to Germany on a forged passport.   

Paul Minkoff, attorney for the Krishnas, linked the sect with traditional religions, and blamed a poor family life at the Murphy home for the emotional damage suffered by Susan.

Psychiatrist Norman Zinbeg testified that Susan suffers from "post traumatic stress disorder" and will require additional therapy, and that Mary Murphy has been "severely damaged" by anxiety over her daughter.

The jury found the Boston chapter o the Krishnas guilty of "intentional infliction of emotional distress" upon mother and daughter, and interference with the mother's parental rights. It also f

Judge Banks denied motions by the Krishnas for a new trial and a reversal of the verdicts, but took under advisement motions that he reduce the interest on the award because the plaintiffs failed to pursue the lawsuit for several years. He also agreed to consider a motion that he reduce the award itself because the temple allegedly qualifies for the limitation on civil liability afforded charitable organizations under Massachusetts law.

An attorney for the Krishnas said the sect would probably appeal the verdict.  "I'm very happy... [but] I'm crying for the hundreds of parents with children in the movement," said Mary Murphy following the verdict. I hope the world becomes aware of what’s happening. They're not just a religion. They're very dangerous people." She said she hoped the verdict would force the sect to review its policies.  From "$61OG award in Krishna abuse case," the Boston Herald, June 17, 1987, p. 14, and "Hell in the Hare Krishnas," the Boston Phoenix, August 14, 1987

Hare Krishnas Sued by Baseball Teams and Creator of "Peanuts" (p. 13) Attorneys for 26 major league baseball teams and United Features Syndicate, which represents "Peanuts" cartoon creator Charles Schulz have filed suit against the West Virginia Hare Krishna community of New Vrindaban for copyright infringement.

The suits charge that the community distributed caps, buttons, and other souvenirs emblazoned with the plaintiffs' trademarks in return for donations as part of a muli-milllion-dollar nationwide panhandling operation.

United Features has requested $50,000 in damages for each violation, which could total in the hundreds. The 26 baseball teams requested a total of $27 million in damages.

Named as defendants were the New Vrindaban community, its guru, Kirtanananda Swami Bhaktipada., and Dennis Gorick, who headed the fundraising program.  From "Sports teams, 'Peanuts' creator may sue Krishnas," the Seattle Times, June 11, 1987.

September/October

Award in Krishna Case Debated (p. 12) Religious groups and other interested parties in the Boston area and elsewhere are debating the recent jury verdict that awarded $1.3 million to former Hare Krishna devotee Susan Murphy and her mother. 

Roland Hegstad of the Washington-based Religious Liberty Association said he thought the verdict was indicative of "an antipathy developing among mainstream denominations to anything that's new or unorthodox."

But Michael Langone of the American Family Foundation saw the verdict as a warning to groups like the Hare Krishnas that they cannot excuse their actions in the name of religious freedom. 

The Rev. Peter Conley, spokesman for the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, said he felt the case "was very much decided on the facts," and that he did not see it as a precedent. 

The leader of the Boston Hare Krishna temple expressed concern that the sect can never receive a fair trial. 

But one legal argument in the case - that Susan Murphy was under age when she joined the Krishnas - has resulted in a new policy at the Boston temple requiring that minors who wish to stay there must have written permission from their parents.  From "Krishnas regroup, others debate verdict," the Patriot Ledger [Quincy, MA], June 20,1987

Hare Krishnas (p. 16) Devotees at the Krishna mansion in Hertfordshire, a gift from Beatle George Harrison, have been ordered to "discontinue the use of the land for the purpose of a religious community and public worship and public entertainment in connection with religious festivals." The decision was made to preserve the peace of the village of Letchmore Heath, which is an exclusive conservation area. Residents have complained about noise and extra traffic, particularly during major festivals, which attract up to 25,000 people. 

Hare Krishna Airport Solicitor Sues Police (p. 10)  Robert Plouffe, a Hare Krishna devotee in Orlando, FL, is suing three police officers for $1 million, claiming he was insulted and deliberately provoked into a scuffle at the Orlando International Airport. 

The suit, filed in federal court, charges that airport officers Markvin Getz, Tom Reynolds, and Cynthia Robinson falsely arrested Plouffe November 23, 1986, and violated his constitutional right to express his religious beliefs. 

Plouffe said the scuffle began when a man he believed to be a tourist began ripping pages from a copy of a Krishna religious book Plouffe had just handed him. Plouffe said he forgot his vow of non-violence, cursed, and grabbed for the book. The next thing he knew, the "tourist," who turned out to be a plainclothes police officer, was arresting him.

Plouffe said he was tackled by two uniformed police officers who shoved his face onto the terminal floor and cuffed his hands behind his back. He was charged with battery. 

The airport suspended Plouffe’s soliciting privileges, but reinstated them when the battery charge was dropped a month later.  From "Hare Krishna priest files suit against police," the St. Petersburg Times, August 18,1987, p. 2B  

Hare Krishnas in Moscow Warned (p. 15) For several weeks in July, a small band of Hare Krishna devotees gathered every night to chant in front of a Moscow theater. Following the singing, group members spoke with curious onlookers. 

But on August 17, this episode of glasnost ended when 15 Krishnas were accused of violating an article of the administrative code which forbids religious observances anywhere but in a church or temple. They were warned that if they were caught singing and dancing on the street again, they would be arrested and charged under the criminal code. 

But Soviet authorities have not acknowledged the Hare Krishnas as a religious sect, despite repeated applications for recognition by the group. 

"[I]f we are not an official religious group, then we should be allowed to sing on the street," said Krishna devotee Alexander Dragilyov. From "Moscow's Krishna Cutoff," the Washington Post, August 19, 1987, p. Fl. 

ISKCON (p. 16) The International Society for Krishna Consciousness has almost died out in France.  About 50 Krishna devotees will soon have to leave their commune in Oublasse for failure to pay the rent.  Gas and electricity were cut off months ago.  Last September the group’s spiritual leader, “His Divine Grace, Shrila Bhagavan Das,” formerly William  Ehrlichmann, returned home to the U.S., taking the group’s money with him.  In 1984 a huge tax rectification was imposed on the group because the work carried out by its members could not be termed voluntary.  

November/December  

British Hare Krishna Center May Face Closure (p. 16) The main center of the British Hare Krishna community, a manor given to the sect by former Beatle George Harrison, is being threatened with closure by the local council in Hertsmere, Hartfordshire. 

The council has ordered the sect to "discontinue the use of the land for the purpose of a religious community and public worship and public entertainment in connection with religious festivals." 

A council member said the decision was made in order to preserve the peace of the village of Letchmore Heath, which lies in an exclusive conservation area. Villagers have complained about noise and extra traffic in connection with the center. 

The manor and its grounds have been regarded as a shrine since 1974 and the numbers coming for regular worship have steadily increased. In 1981 the sect was limited to 1,000 visitors a day except for six religious festivals a year, which attract up to 25,000 attendees. 

The sect appealed the ruling and a public inquiry was slated to be held on November 9. About 10,000 devotees were expected to stage a protest march in London. From "Krishna mansion faces closure," the Guardian [Manchester, England], July 8, 1987, p. 2

 Hare Krishna's Murder Conviction  Appealed (p. 10) An appeal filed on behalf of Thomas  Drescher, sentenced to life in prison  last January for the murder of Krishna  devotee Charles St. Denis, blames extensive media coverage for prejudicing a jury against the defendant. 

 The appeal was filed in late August  in the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Drescher's attorney, Mark  Karl, said the jury should have been sequestered due to the case having received "media exposure the likes of  which the West Virginia courts have not seen for some time." From "Drescher Appeal Cites Publicity," The Intelligencer [Wheeling, WVI, August 29, 1987 

Hare Krishna Leader Indicted for Arson (p. 9) Kirtanananda Swami Bhaktipada, head of the West Virginia Hare Krishna community of New Vrindaban, and Thomas Drescher, a follower who is serving a life sentence for the murder of another sect member, have been indicted on charges of burning a building to collect $40,000 in insurance. 

The two were charged along with three other followers in Federal indictments made public September 16, said United States Attorney William Kolibash. 

Bhaktipada, formerly known as Keith Hamm, and Drescher are charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and arson, illegal use of fire or explosives, and malicious destruction. 

Kolibash said Drescher burned an apartment building on July 14, 1983 , and that the Inland Insurance Company paid the Krishna community $40,000 five months later. 

The Krishnas have denied any wrongdoing. Devamriat Swami, president of New Vrindaban, said the charges were part of a continuing harassment of the Krishna community. From "2 in Sect Charged in Insurance Case," the New York Times, September 18, 1987 

Officials Skeptical of Krishnas' Plans for "Spiritual City" (p. 11, 12) West Virginia officials are skeptical about Hare Krishna plans to construct a "Spiritual City" at their New Vrindaban commune. 

According to Krishna officials, the proposed city is designed to shelter 10,000 of the "most spiritual people" in the event of a nuclear holocaust. 

Marshall County Commissioner Howard Byard said he doubted whether adequate water and sewage facilities are available for such a project. Jill Spencer, supervisor of a nearby park, said she hoped the Krishnas would not attempt to use county facilities, since they have refused to pay county taxes. 

County Prosecutor Thomas White said he doubted 10,000 Hare Krishnas would come to New Vrindaban since the community is out of favor with the rest of the sect because of charges of illegal activities there. From "Krishna Plans Are Doubted By Officials," The Intelligencer [Wheeling, WVJ, August 18, 1987 

 

 
 
       
_____________________________________________ ^
 

International Cultic Studies Association
 Department: Group Report - Hare Krishna

Vol. 1, No. 1, 2001
_______________________________________________
Featured Group Report

Hare Krishna: news articles 1987
 
ISKCON in the News Articles from the Cult Observer 1984-1999 

1987 

January/February

Krishna Devotee Guilty of Murder (p. 5) Hare Krishna dissident Thomas Drescher, 37, was found guilty Dec. 5 by a West Virginia jury of the first-degree murder of Charles Saint Denis, another devotee, at the sect's New Vrindaban commune. on June 10, 1983. Sentencing is scheduled for January 15. 

Jury foreman Timothy Shrout, county prosecutor Thomas White, and defense lawyer Robert McWillia agreed that the key testimony came from four people who said Dresch bragged to them of how he had killed Saint Denis, whose body has never been found. The witnesses included two former senior aides at the commune, a police informer, and Nick Tsacrios, husband of St. Denis' former lover, Deborah Gere. 

The witnesses testified that Drescher said he shot Saint Denis 10 to I2 times, and that he and Dan Reid, another Krishna follower, then stabbed the victim repeatedly. 'The two then allegedly placed the body in a pre-dug grave and poured corrosive chemicals over the remains. Reid, 31,.has also been charged with Saint Denis' murder and faces a January 31 trial in West Virginia. 

Drescher is also charged with the May 22, 1986 murder of another dissident Krishna follower, Steven Bryant, whose body was found in a van in Los Angeles. Bryant had threatened to expose criminal misconduct by sect leaders. 

During the trial, defense lawyers described intrigues involving sex and drugs among members of the sect, and maintained that the witnesses were lying. Public defender McWilliams said that St. Denis was a "womanizer" who had in the past disappeared for years at a time.  From the Los Angeles Times December 6, 1986, Part I, p. 14 and the New York Times December 1 1986 

Krishnas Lose Farm (p. 8) Eighty Hare Krishna followers are about to lose their 55-acre commune in the town of Cochecton, in New York state's Catskill Mountains. The previous owners of the property, Camp Co-Chec-Ton, Inc. of Brooklyn have begun foreclosure proceedings on ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) for defaulting on a $212,000 mortgage. The property also figures into a California lawsuit against ISKCON which has resulted in the group's assets being frozen. From the Record [Sullivan County, NY] September 24, 1986, p. 5 

Krishnas in Ireland (p. 14) On July 20, over 500 Hare Krishna devotees from all over Ireland gathered on the small island of Inish Rath for the opening of a new temple and conference complex. The 22-acre island, formerly owned by the Earl of Erne, was bought by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) two years ago for 120,000. From the Belfast Telegraph July 21, 1986, p. 4  

March/April  

Body Found in Hare Krishna Murder (p. 11) A body believed to be that of Charles St. Denis, a Hare Krisha devotee who disappeared in 1983, was found Jan. 6 in a creekbed in the W. Virginia Krishna community of New Vrindaban. Dan Reid, who pleaded guilty in connection with St. Denis' slaying, agreed to lead police to the body as part of a plea bargain arrangement.

Witnesses at the trial of Thomas Drescher, who was convicted in December of St. Denis's murder, testified he and Reid killed St. Denis, and then tried to dissolve the body with acid. Reid, who will be sentenced Jan. 12, was allowed to plead guilty to a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter because he was not "the principal killer," said Marshall County Prosecutor Tom White.  From "Body Found in Krishna case," the New York Times January 8, 1987 

For ISKCON, Charity Begins - and Ends - at Home (p. 15) The London tabloid News of the World looked into the charitable status of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and found that most of the group's income in Britain is raised by selling on street comers. In 1983 only 38,000 out of over 800,000 went to charity, and an ISKCON official admitted that most of that had probably simply been transferred to a branch of the organization. 

A spokesman for the Charity Commission stated that there is nothing to prevent a religious charity from spending all its income in support of itself. From the FAIR News October 1986, P. 7  

France - French Krishnas Desert (p. 16) The Hare Krishna sect has all but disappeared in France save for about 50 diehards, virtually bankrupt and living in hardship in a chateau owned by the sect, which they will soon have to vacate for nonpayment of rent. Last September their spiritual leader, Shrila Bhagavan Das, formerly William Ehrlichman, returned home to the United States, taking the sects cash with him. 

Bhagavan, who claimed to have been sent to France in 1977 by the sect’s founder, Bhaktivendanta Swarni Prabhupada, is now widely considered a usurper. In the intervening 10 years, he became the head of a lucrative organization, spread throughout Western Europe, which earned a substantial revenue from begging, donations, the running of vegetarian restaurants, and the sale of books, records and religious objects. 

In 1984 French tax inspectors imposed a huge tax rectification on the sect, saying work carried out by its members could not be termed voluntary. 

As financial difficulties accumulated, so did desertion by members disgusted by Bhagavan's opulent lifestyle. From "Krishnas deserting in France," by Ariefle Vericy, Agence France-Presse, the Washington Times February 16, 1987, p. 51)  

Hare Krishnas Call for Swami's Resignation (p. 11) The North American Governing Body Commission (GBC) of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness has asked Kirtanananda Swanti Bhaktipada, 48, to resign from the commission. 

Bhaktipada is leader of the W. Va. Krishna community of New Vrindaban, which has been rocked by charges of corruption. Last December, Krishna follower Thomas Drescher was convicted of murdering another devotee, Charles St. Denis, on the 4,000-acre compound. 

The GBC statement says the controversy surrounding the 400-member community "has seriously called into question Kirtanananda Swami's ability to hold a position of leadership..." Bhaktipada is one of 24 members on the international commission. 

The GBC also charged that Bhaktipada has portrayed the criminal investigations into SL Denis' murder as collusion between the government and media to destroy the Hare Krishna  movement. 

"We disagree with this conclusion and feel that neither the law enforcement agencies involved nor the media is guilty of undue harassment, the GBC said. 

The GBC also alleged that Bhaktipada "accepts worship publicly," in contrast to a preference for an "increasingly humble role regarding demonstrations of respect' among ISKCON’s gurus. From "Swami in spotlight of Krishna dispute," the Washington Times, February 20, 1987

May/June

ACLU to Investigate Krishna Raid (p. 8) The West Virginia branch of the American Civil Liberties Union has begun an investigation into the Jan. 5 raid at the Hare Krishnas' New Vrindaban community during which federal and state agents seized computers, record albums, sports caps, and stickers as part of a probe into alleged copyright and trademark violations by members of the sect.

The New Vrindaban community has been accused of selling items without proper permission. But Krishna leaders maintain that no permission was necessary because the items were altered slightly from the originals. However, Bruce Smith, assistant U.S. attorney in Wheeling, said copyright laws protect copied items "together with any facsimilies (which) make people think it was the original." He said the items seized in the raid fell into the latter category.

Krishna spokesman Umapati Das said Krishna leaders met with ACLU state president Roger Forman and another ACLU official. Umapati said that the ACLU representatives were very interested and enthusiastic about the case.

"They said it was obviously a case of religious harassment... of people being deprived of their constitutional rights," Umapati said.

Forman, however, said it was too early in the investigation to determine the motivations of the federal agents who conducted the raid. He said possible directions taken by the ACLU could include the appealing of any court decisions or other legal actions.

"[T]he scope of the search appears to be excessive," Forman said. Krishna leaders have charged that the agents conducting the raid kicked down doors and took unnecessary personal files.

Asked to respond to the allegations of harassment, Bruce Smith repeated an earlier response from U.S. Attorney William Kolibash: "This investigation deals with individual persons. If they are members of the community, it is purely coincidental." Smith noted that Chief Federal Circuit Court Judge Robert E. Maxwell has already ruled that the search and seizure was done lawfully. From "ACLU Starts Probe Into Krishna Raid," the Wheeling, WV Intelligencer," February 25, 1987

Hare Krishnas Expel Swami Bhaktipada (p. 7) In a resolution passed at its headquarters in India, the governing body of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) voted March 18 to excommunicate Kirtanananda Swami Bhaktipada, the leader of New Vrindaban. The 600-resident West Virginia commune - the largest Krishna community in the world - is being investigated by federal authorities for numerous allegations of criminal activity, from drug dealing to child abuse.

The resolution said Bhaktipada, who is also the target of federal investigations, had undermined the worldwide religion and had created his own movement within it in an "attempt to establish himself as the sole spiritual heir to ISKCON."

A New Vrindaban spokesman called the excommunication an unjustified "political move," and said Bhaktipada would probably remain as leader of the community, which is incorporated independent of ISKCON.

Ron Bruch, president of the ISKCON temple in Philadelphia, said the governing body is forcing Bhaktipada's followers to decide whether to stay with him or go to another temple. He said he expected the majority to stay, although "some may re-evaluate."  From "Panel Votes to Dismiss Bhaktipada," the Wheeling Intelligencer, March 19, 1987, p. 1  

Krishna commune called "unhealthy" for children (p.  11) As the ongoing federal, state, and local investigations of the Hare Krishna community of New Vrindaban, WV., progresses, court documents and interviews with former devotees offer a sordid portrayal of life in a place where sexual abuse of children is condoned by sect leaders, where outbreaks of disease are common, where young girls have been forced under threat of expulsion to marry older men and men of high standing may take several wives, where women are kept in subjugation and are sometimes beaten, and where educational practices are grossly inadequate.

Concern over child welfare at the commune has increased since the headmaster of the Krishna school was charged with sexually molesting a child over a 6-year period.

Ex-devotee Christine Mills calls New Vrindaban "a dangerous, unhealthy, and immoral environment." In the lawsuit she has filed in an effort to remove her children from the commune, she says she fears for their safety. She tells of having once helped Krishna leaders hide a child during a similar custody dispute. The child was later taken to India to prevent his being returned to his mother.  From "Suffer the children at Hare Krishna commune," the San Jose Mercury News, March 21, 1987, p. IOC

Soviet Krishnas Seek Official Acceptance (p. 14) The Soviet branch of the Hare Krishnas is campaigning to have the organization registered with the government.

Previous attempts by the officially banned sect to acquire a legal basis have been turned down, and official persecution of the Krishnas has continued. Devotees are ostracized and publicly attacked, and 26 Krishna are currently incarcerated in Soviet camps or prisons. From "In Moscow, Soviet Krishnas Ask Permission to Practice Faith," the Washington Post, May 2, 1987, p. A 17   

July/August

Mother and Daughter Win $1.3 Million Award Against Krishnas (p. 1,2) Former Hare Krishna member Susan Murphy Erickson and her mother, Mary Murphy, were awarded $610,000 in damages against the Hare Krishna organization on June 16 by a Norfolk County Superior Court jury in Dedham, Massachusetts. Interest at 12% a year since the lawsuit was filed in 1977 brought the total judgment to $1.3 million.

Judge Robert W. Banks placed a $1.5 million attachment on the Hare Krishna temple in Boston to preserve the women's right to collect the award. The temple has taken out a $200,000 second mortgage to pay lawyers' fees. 

Susan testified that she dropped out of school and left home at age 14 to become a full-time Krishna devotee. She said that while living in the Boston temple in 1974-75 she was forced to beg on the street, slept about 5 hours a night, and ate two meals a day of cereal and potatoes.

James Frieden, the plaintiffs' attorney, said other Krishnas encouraged Susan to lie and steal and convinced her that all nondevotees, including her family, were meat-eating demons." 

Susan returned home at age 16 after her mother learned that the temple planned to send her to Germany on a forged passport.   

Paul Minkoff, attorney for the Krishnas, linked the sect with traditional religions, and blamed a poor family life at the Murphy home for the emotional damage suffered by Susan.

Psychiatrist Norman Zinbeg testified that Susan suffers from "post traumatic stress disorder" and will require additional therapy, and that Mary Murphy has been "severely damaged" by anxiety over her daughter.

The jury found the Boston chapter o the Krishnas guilty of "intentional infliction of emotional distress" upon mother and daughter, and interference with the mother's parental rights. It also f

Judge Banks denied motions by the Krishnas for a new trial and a reversal of the verdicts, but took under advisement motions that he reduce the interest on the award because the plaintiffs failed to pursue the lawsuit for several years. He also agreed to consider a motion that he reduce the award itself because the temple allegedly qualifies for the limitation on civil liability afforded charitable organizations under Massachusetts law.

An attorney for the Krishnas said the sect would probably appeal the verdict.  "I'm very happy... [but] I'm crying for the hundreds of parents with children in the movement," said Mary Murphy following the verdict. I hope the world becomes aware of what’s happening. They're not just a religion. They're very dangerous people." She said she hoped the verdict would force the sect to review its policies.  From "$61OG award in Krishna abuse case," the Boston Herald, June 17, 1987, p. 14, and "Hell in the Hare Krishnas," the Boston Phoenix, August 14, 1987

Hare Krishnas Sued by Baseball Teams and Creator of "Peanuts" (p. 13) Attorneys for 26 major league baseball teams and United Features Syndicate, which represents "Peanuts" cartoon creator Charles Schulz have filed suit against the West Virginia Hare Krishna community of New Vrindaban for copyright infringement.

The suits charge that the community distributed caps, buttons, and other souvenirs emblazoned with the plaintiffs' trademarks in return for donations as part of a muli-milllion-dollar nationwide panhandling operation.

United Features has requested $50,000 in damages for each violation, which could total in the hundreds. The 26 baseball teams requested a total of $27 million in damages.

Named as defendants were the New Vrindaban community, its guru, Kirtanananda Swami Bhaktipada., and Dennis Gorick, who headed the fundraising program.  From "Sports teams, 'Peanuts' creator may sue Krishnas," the Seattle Times, June 11, 1987.

September/October

Award in Krishna Case Debated (p. 12) Religious groups and other interested parties in the Boston area and elsewhere are debating the recent jury verdict that awarded $1.3 million to former Hare Krishna devotee Susan Murphy and her mother. 

Roland Hegstad of the Washington-based Religious Liberty Association said he thought the verdict was indicative of "an antipathy developing among mainstream denominations to anything that's new or unorthodox."

But Michael Langone of the American Family Foundation saw the verdict as a warning to groups like the Hare Krishnas that they cannot excuse their actions in the name of religious freedom. 

The Rev. Peter Conley, spokesman for the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, said he felt the case "was very much decided on the facts," and that he did not see it as a precedent. 

The leader of the Boston Hare Krishna temple expressed concern that the sect can never receive a fair trial. 

But one legal argument in the case - that Susan Murphy was under age when she joined the Krishnas - has resulted in a new policy at the Boston temple requiring that minors who wish to stay there must have written permission from their parents.  From "Krishnas regroup, others debate verdict," the Patriot Ledger [Quincy, MA], June 20,1987

Hare Krishnas (p. 16) Devotees at the Krishna mansion in Hertfordshire, a gift from Beatle George Harrison, have been ordered to "discontinue the use of the land for the purpose of a religious community and public worship and public entertainment in connection with religious festivals." The decision was made to preserve the peace of the village of Letchmore Heath, which is an exclusive conservation area. Residents have complained about noise and extra traffic, particularly during major festivals, which attract up to 25,000 people. 

Hare Krishna Airport Solicitor Sues Police (p. 10)  Robert Plouffe, a Hare Krishna devotee in Orlando, FL, is suing three police officers for $1 million, claiming he was insulted and deliberately provoked into a scuffle at the Orlando International Airport. 

The suit, filed in federal court, charges that airport officers Markvin Getz, Tom Reynolds, and Cynthia Robinson falsely arrested Plouffe November 23, 1986, and violated his constitutional right to express his religious beliefs. 

Plouffe said the scuffle began when a man he believed to be a tourist began ripping pages from a copy of a Krishna religious book Plouffe had just handed him. Plouffe said he forgot his vow of non-violence, cursed, and grabbed for the book. The next thing he knew, the "tourist," who turned out to be a plainclothes police officer, was arresting him.

Plouffe said he was tackled by two uniformed police officers who shoved his face onto the terminal floor and cuffed his hands behind his back. He was charged with battery. 

The airport suspended Plouffe’s soliciting privileges, but reinstated them when the battery charge was dropped a month later.  From "Hare Krishna priest files suit against police," the St. Petersburg Times, August 18,1987, p. 2B  

Hare Krishnas in Moscow Warned (p. 15) For several weeks in July, a small band of Hare Krishna devotees gathered every night to chant in front of a Moscow theater. Following the singing, group members spoke with curious onlookers. 

But on August 17, this episode of glasnost ended when 15 Krishnas were accused of violating an article of the administrative code which forbids religious observances anywhere but in a church or temple. They were warned that if they were caught singing and dancing on the street again, they would be arrested and charged under the criminal code. 

But Soviet authorities have not acknowledged the Hare Krishnas as a religious sect, despite repeated applications for recognition by the group. 

"[I]f we are not an official religious group, then we should be allowed to sing on the street," said Krishna devotee Alexander Dragilyov. From "Moscow's Krishna Cutoff," the Washington Post, August 19, 1987, p. Fl. 

ISKCON (p. 16) The International Society for Krishna Consciousness has almost died out in France.  About 50 Krishna devotees will soon have to leave their commune in Oublasse for failure to pay the rent.  Gas and electricity were cut off months ago.  Last September the group’s spiritual leader, “His Divine Grace, Shrila Bhagavan Das,” formerly William  Ehrlichmann, returned home to the U.S., taking the group’s money with him.  In 1984 a huge tax rectification was imposed on the group because the work carried out by its members could not be termed voluntary.  

November/December  

British Hare Krishna Center May Face Closure (p. 16) The main center of the British Hare Krishna community, a manor given to the sect by former Beatle George Harrison, is being threatened with closure by the local council in Hertsmere, Hartfordshire. 

The council has ordered the sect to "discontinue the use of the land for the purpose of a religious community and public worship and public entertainment in connection with religious festivals." 

A council member said the decision was made in order to preserve the peace of the village of Letchmore Heath, which lies in an exclusive conservation area. Villagers have complained about noise and extra traffic in connection with the center. 

The manor and its grounds have been regarded as a shrine since 1974 and the numbers coming for regular worship have steadily increased. In 1981 the sect was limited to 1,000 visitors a day except for six religious festivals a year, which attract up to 25,000 attendees. 

The sect appealed the ruling and a public inquiry was slated to be held on November 9. About 10,000 devotees were expected to stage a protest march in London. From "Krishna mansion faces closure," the Guardian [Manchester, England], July 8, 1987, p. 2

 Hare Krishna's Murder Conviction  Appealed (p. 10) An appeal filed on behalf of Thomas  Drescher, sentenced to life in prison  last January for the murder of Krishna  devotee Charles St. Denis, blames extensive media coverage for prejudicing a jury against the defendant. 

 The appeal was filed in late August  in the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Drescher's attorney, Mark  Karl, said the jury should have been sequestered due to the case having received "media exposure the likes of  which the West Virginia courts have not seen for some time." From "Drescher Appeal Cites Publicity," The Intelligencer [Wheeling, WVI, August 29, 1987 

Hare Krishna Leader Indicted for Arson (p. 9) Kirtanananda Swami Bhaktipada, head of the West Virginia Hare Krishna community of New Vrindaban, and Thomas Drescher, a follower who is serving a life sentence for the murder of another sect member, have been indicted on charges of burning a building to collect $40,000 in insurance. 

The two were charged along with three other followers in Federal indictments made public September 16, said United States Attorney William Kolibash. 

Bhaktipada, formerly known as Keith Hamm, and Drescher are charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and arson, illegal use of fire or explosives, and malicious destruction. 

Kolibash said Drescher burned an apartment building on July 14, 1983 , and that the Inland Insurance Company paid the Krishna community $40,000 five months later. 

The Krishnas have denied any wrongdoing. Devamriat Swami, president of New Vrindaban, said the charges were part of a continuing harassment of the Krishna community. From "2 in Sect Charged in Insurance Case," the New York Times, September 18, 1987 

Officials Skeptical of Krishnas' Plans for "Spiritual City" (p. 11, 12) West Virginia officials are skeptical about Hare Krishna plans to construct a "Spiritual City" at their New Vrindaban commune. 

According to Krishna officials, the proposed city is designed to shelter 10,000 of the "most spiritual people" in the event of a nuclear holocaust. 

Marshall County Commissioner Howard Byard said he doubted whether adequate water and sewage facilities are available for such a project. Jill Spencer, supervisor of a nearby park, said she hoped the Krishnas would not attempt to use county facilities, since they have refused to pay county taxes. 

County Prosecutor Thomas White said he doubted 10,000 Hare Krishnas would come to New Vrindaban since the community is out of favor with the rest of the sect because of charges of illegal activities there. From "Krishna Plans Are Doubted By Officials," The Intelligencer [Wheeling, WVJ, August 18, 1987 

 

 
 
       
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International Cultic Studies Association
 Department: Group Report - Hare Krishna

Vol. 1, No. 1, 2001
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Featured Group Report

Hare Krishna: news articles 1987
 
ISKCON in the News Articles from the Cult Observer 1984-1999 

1987 

January/February

Krishna Devotee Guilty of Murder (p. 5) Hare Krishna dissident Thomas Drescher, 37, was found guilty Dec. 5 by a West Virginia jury of the first-degree murder of Charles Saint Denis, another devotee, at the sect's New Vrindaban commune. on June 10, 1983. Sentencing is scheduled for January 15. 

Jury foreman Timothy Shrout, county prosecutor Thomas White, and defense lawyer Robert McWillia agreed that the key testimony came from four people who said Dresch bragged to them of how he had killed Saint Denis, whose body has never been found. The witnesses included two former senior aides at the commune, a police informer, and Nick Tsacrios, husband of St. Denis' former lover, Deborah Gere. 

The witnesses testified that Drescher said he shot Saint Denis 10 to I2 times, and that he and Dan Reid, another Krishna follower, then stabbed the victim repeatedly. 'The two then allegedly placed the body in a pre-dug grave and poured corrosive chemicals over the remains. Reid, 31,.has also been charged with Saint Denis' murder and faces a January 31 trial in West Virginia. 

Drescher is also charged with the May 22, 1986 murder of another dissident Krishna follower, Steven Bryant, whose body was found in a van in Los Angeles. Bryant had threatened to expose criminal misconduct by sect leaders. 

During the trial, defense lawyers described intrigues involving sex and drugs among members of the sect, and maintained that the witnesses were lying. Public defender McWilliams said that St. Denis was a "womanizer" who had in the past disappeared for years at a time.  From the Los Angeles Times December 6, 1986, Part I, p. 14 and the New York Times December 1 1986 

Krishnas Lose Farm (p. 8) Eighty Hare Krishna followers are about to lose their 55-acre commune in the town of Cochecton, in New York state's Catskill Mountains. The previous owners of the property, Camp Co-Chec-Ton, Inc. of Brooklyn have begun foreclosure proceedings on ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) for defaulting on a $212,000 mortgage. The property also figures into a California lawsuit against ISKCON which has resulted in the group's assets being frozen. From the Record [Sullivan County, NY] September 24, 1986, p. 5 

Krishnas in Ireland (p. 14) On July 20, over 500 Hare Krishna devotees from all over Ireland gathered on the small island of Inish Rath for the opening of a new temple and conference complex. The 22-acre island, formerly owned by the Earl of Erne, was bought by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) two years ago for 120,000. From the Belfast Telegraph July 21, 1986, p. 4   </