INTRODUCTION
His Divine Grace, A. C.. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder Acarya of the International Society for Krsna Consciousness (ISKCON), in the last days of his physical presence, in late 1977, made several statements that indicated directly and indirectly that someone had poisoned him. His attending caretakers, specifically, Bhakti Caru, Tamal Krsna and the kavirja (physician) confirmed this understanding in recorded conversations at that time. A recent publication written by Tamal Krsna again confirms that Srila Prabhupada was thinking that someone had poisoned him (TKG’s Diary p340). Overwhelming evidence has since surfaced regarding this issue, much of which has been unavailable or misrepresented to the followers of Srila Prabhupada. This book, with CD, transcripts and other reports present the recorded statements of His Divine Grace and those present with him in November 1977, as well as all the evidence available to date in its entirety, with objective commentary and supporting documents. Please examine the facts and “Judge For Yourself” after hearing first from Srila Prabhupada.
What started out as a journey of discovery to establish the facts, changed dramatically when an abnormally high level of arsenic was discovered in Srila Prabhupada’s hair clippings. Following the discovery ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC) decommissioned their investigator and locked into defense mode. They claimed that the (inconclusive) investigation showed inconclusive proof of murder, following which the blinds were pulled down on all further GBC involvement.
Without any legal inquiry, sworn affidavits, polygraph tests, cross examination or completed forensic analyses, the GBC (after releasing a book of lies and half-truths) zipped-up-the-bag on the ‘poison investigation’, giving sanctuary to those amongst them who as suspect in the alleged poisoning of His Divine Grace, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. With that act, they have no doubt, taken shelter of indifference in the belief that persistent pursuers of the issue will buckle under financial strain and abandon the chase.
A history of the poison investigation; its beginnings and more, have been comprehensively detailed in the book, “ Someone has Poisoned Me”, (SHPM) by Nityananda Das. We have no wish to iterate what has already been meticulously documented there. For those who chance upon this report without having read SHPM, we are including a brief history:`
In late 1997 (twenty years after the fact) the whispers and related conversations between Srila Prabhupada and those attending him (GBC members) prior to his demise, were discovered by chance. Following the discovery, concerned followers of His Divine Grace informed the GBC. The GBC in turn, assured the concerned parties that an investigation would be undertaken to look into allegations raised by Srila Prabhupada himself regarding the issue of his having been deliberately poisoned in the days preceding his divine disappearance. This was decided after several senior ISKCON leaders (as well as some GBC members) had heard relevant audio recordings made at Srila Prabhupada’s bedside between November 8th, and November 14th, 1977. These recordings are available from the BBT archives.
The theory that Srila Prabhupada was only referring to some toxic side effects of his medication was not supported by any of the persons who heard the recordings. Nor was it supported by the statements of Srila Prabhupada’s servants in November 1977 at his bedside. Both Tamal Krsna and Bhakti Caru can be heard on tape ( in November 1977) making statements that attest to the fact that Srila Prabhupada was talking about intentional poisoning. The kaviraja who was attending Srila Prabhupada (in Nov. 1977) can be clearly heard saying that a “raksasa” could have poisoned him. Also cases of murder by poisoning could be heard, discussed at length by those present at the bedside. Furthermore, we hear Srila Prabhupada making direct statements that if he remained in his current situation a Ravana would kill him.
To launch the proposed investigation the GBC Executive Committee formerly appointed Balavanta Das (William Ogle), a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and a practicing attorney for twenty years. During the course of his investigation Balavanta Das found much evidence that indicated His Divine Grace was speaking seriously about the possibility of his having been poisoned. Balavanta Das' reports and the reports of the various experts who had done the initial work, concluded that the investigation could not be completed without further research. Three separate analysts had discovered "poison whispers" in several instances, picked up by the tape recorder at Srila Prabhupada's bedside in Vrindavan in Nov. 1977. All three experts found and confirmed the whisper- " it's going down, the poison's going down" - just at the time when Srila Prabhupada was being given milk to drink by Bhakti Caru. The forensic experts, all of whom are highly credited, clearly pointed to the whispers as being incriminating evidence in a conspiracy to poison. The further recommended that a homicide investigation be undertaken.
Still further, in looking through Srila Prabhupada's medical history, it becomes apparent that there was no substantial evidence to eliminate the poison allegation: to the contrary, medical statements indicated symptoms consistent with chronic poisoning.
Concerns were further deepened when forensic evidence revealed Srila Prabhupada's hair clippings contained 2. 66 ppm of arsenic (twenty times higher than normal), which is consistent with chronic poisoning. A chief medical examiner for the state of Delaware in the United States, issued a report stating that this level of arsenic (2. 6.ppm) would be a significant factor contributing to Srila Prabhupada's death.
In the epilogue of his investigation, Balavanta Das dedicated hundreds of hours in research and, although under-funded, produced a report for the ISKCON GBC that showed " more than probable cause" for initiating a full-scale inquiry into the passing of His Divine Grace, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The authors of this record wish to thank Balavanta Das for his brave and honest endeavors.
Eyebrows were raised when it was discovered that the GBC had removed the investigator (Balavanta Das) immediately after his report showed a finding of 2. 6 ppm arsenic. Not only were Balavanta Das' findings alarming, but his sudden removal and secret replacement with a suspects disciple, fueled even more the fires of suspicion. Within a short space of time after Balavanta Das' findings were made public, the GBC (through its "Ministry for the Protection of ISKCON") released a book entitled- "Not that I am Poisoned" (NTIP) Dated: Feb. 2000. The book was authored by the new replacement, and told us that 3 ppm of arsenic in an already sick individual is a perfectly safe level. To endorse its publication the GBC released this statement:-
618 [Statement] It is resolved that 1) There is no evidence at this time to support the allegations of poisoning of Srila Prabhupada. This conclusion is based on two independent reports commissioned by the GBC body. 2) The GBC body endorses the book "Not that I am Poisoned" as the most detailed and comprehensive exposition of these allegations to date, and it recommends the book strongly to devotees who may have been affected by or who are interested in this issue. (GBC Annual Meetings 2000).
There never was a single conclusive investigation undertaken, how then could the GBC come up with two independent reports? If by " independent" the GBC refers to the investigation undertaken by Balavanta Das, then we must ask "independent of whom" and how was it made "conclusive"? Since Balavanta Das' engagement, funding and abscission were GBC decisions, he was never independent. As this following statement will attest, the investigation was in fact GBC controlled and not independent:
Balavanta Das (In his report to the GBC):- (quote) "He (Dr. Morris) was prepared to perform these tests when he was contacted by a Mr. Hooper (a.k.a Deva Gaura Hari, author of the GBC book "Not that I am Poisoned") who indicated that he was also working on the investigation. Mr. Hooper was not working with me and I do not know him or his role in your investigation. Following this contact, Dr. Morris decided to access a substantial charge for his continuing efforts. I contacted you (Bir Krsna. Former Chairman GBC) to ask for the funds to complete the study, but they have not been forthcoming". (unquote) (VNN-5589.2/3/00).
It becomes apparent from the statement above that Balavanta Das was being funded by the GBC. When the funding ceased (for whatever reason) so did the investigation. So what exactly does the GBC mean by " independent" when in fact the investigation was dependent. And, if Balavanta Das was being funded by the GBC, whom did he report to if not the GBC? Independent? Furthermore, we know from Balavanta Das' report that his investigation was never completed due to cessation of funding by the GBC. This confirms his " dependence". Investigative commissions cease only if a) the facts are revealed. b) It's futile to continue. c) the agency is inefficient, or d) the results prove contrary to the client's needs. We know that Balavanta Das was efficient and ( his reports are precise). So what were the GBC reasons for taking him off the investigation? And, as Balavanta Das states in his last report (posted as "conclusive" by the GBC), the investigation was not complete. So already we see two flaws in the first part of the GBC statement. 1) It was not "independent", being commissioned by the GBC on an installment basis, therefore subject to its will and 2) it was never completed and therefore not conclusive.
From all evidential facts, it appears that the GBC misread Balavanta Das' character and professional ethic.. Expecting him to honor corporate concerns above truth, they placed the onus of deception squarely on his shoulders. But, in discordance with GBC expectations , Balavanta Das publicly disclosed his findings. For this we are thankful. To the GBC who discovered 'their man' was really a 'Prabhupada man', we ask - why use inside men at all unless you seek a predetermined verdict.
As for the second "conclusive report" : since we don't know of anyone else we must assume the second "reporter" to be the new appointee, David Hooper. This second "commission" was a law enacted by the GBC alone; no one outside the GBC's inner circle was privy to the decision. Why the GBC suddenly decided to remove Balavanta Das (a qualified lawyer/ Prabhupada disciple) and replace him with a fresh initiate, has never been revealed. Hooper's "power point presentation" at Mayapur had all the earmarks of an inside promotion. While computer illiterate rank and file members were trying to grasp what "power point presentation" meant, the book, " Not that I am Poisoned" was published. All in all, the stealth and speed with which the matter was handled confirmed all suspicions. It became clear that the GBC had made " conclusive" what was "inclusive" by using license as a right. And then, when we read the second part of the statement released by the GBC, it howled like a siren. Not enough time had elapsed to research and evaluate Hooper's claims before the GBC endorsed the book (NTIP). The evidence it offered, on a matter of such critical importance, had been accepted at face value.
After posting endorsement of the book, the GBC closed its doors shutting out any further involvement in the alleged murder of His Divine Grace. As a direct result of the book (NTIP) and its endorsement, the Bhaktivedanta Investigation Force (BIF) was formed. The purpose of the group was to probe the evidence proffered by the GBC published book (NTIP) and to investigate 'experts' and writers who contributed to its pages with 'testimonies' and endorsements. BIF is an international group of disciples/followers of His Divine Grace, Srila Prabhupada, with no political ambitions or hidden motivation. Our only objective (considering the evidence) is to arrive at the truth in the matter of our Spiritual Father's passing. There is no other agenda.
"Judge for Yourself" and other ongoing compilations are initiated, supported and financed by Srila Prabhupada's disciples. This work was undertaken with the understanding that the ISKCON GBC had claimed financial incapability of concluding the investigation. However, following a publication by Nityananda Das ("Someone Has Poisoned Me"), ISKCON's GBC found finances to publish a paperback rebuttal ("Not that I am Poisoned" NTIP). As a result of that book and its blatant dishonesty, it was decided that the GBC were placing corporate concerns above the truth and were therefore unworthy of trust.
What follows is an investigative report of the GBC book, "Not that I am Poisoned" (NTIP) and related evidence. This exercise will be undertaken in part-by-part format. The appendix section has copies of various important and supporting documents that many will see for the first time.
Due to ongoing investigation and in compliance with legal advice, some vital evidence has been withheld. Nonetheless, what is presented between these covers will highlight our journey to the courtroom, which is inevitable. We will try as best we can to present our findings without bias or prejudice, giving our readers the opportunity to make up their own minds. Judge for Yourself.
‘JUDGE FOR YOURSELF’
PART 1 CHAPTERS 1-4
PART ONE
Srila Prabhupada Arsenic
Level – 2.6 ppm
The concentration
of arsenic found in Srila Prabhupada’s hair clippings was determined by
state-of-the-art, highly accurate, neutron activation analysis. Concluded by expert opinion to be twenty
times higher than a normal average, the 2. 6 ppm concentration discovered is
certainly cause for alarm. Statements by
various government, academic, and scientific authorities confirm that levels in
individuals with chronic (arsenic) poisoning range between 1 and 5 ppm. Further, 2. 6 ppm ranges between dangerous
and very dangerous. US Government
forensic experts and a Chief Medical Examiner, state that the level of arsenic
found in Srila Prabhupada, given his age and health, would have contributed
significantly to his death. When made
privy to this information, ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC) chose to
mitigate the seriousness of the implications by misconstruing the facts. In so doing, they have wilfully misled
thousands of Srila Prabhupada’s followers. This chapter offers the reader an opportunity to acquaint with the truth
and make judgement accordingly.
Section One, Chapter
One of the GBC endorsed book: “Not That I Am Poisoned” (NTIP), deals with
arsenic readings as per research undertaken by its GBC appointed researcher
(David Hooper). According to Hooper’s
findings 2. 6 ppm is to be considered so irrelevant as to be insignificant;
hence the title of the first chapter: "Hair Analysis Shows No Sign Of Poisoning."
Upon studying
this chapter, we are instantly alerted to a huge contradiction. Dr. J. Steven Morris, a member of the Lauder
Nuclear Analysis Program, reports that the 2. 6 ppm of arsenic found in Srila
Prabhupada's hair clippings was twenty times higher
than normal. But Hooper tells us:
"...No Sign Of Poisoning." Let's hear what the experts have to say:
"The
arsenic concentration found was 2.6 micrograms arsenic per gram of hair (or 2.6
parts per million i.e. 2.6 ppm). The concentration is approximately 20 times
higher than what I would consider a normal average for unexposed individuals
living in the United States..." (Dr. J. Stephen
Morris (Ph.D.) Lauder, Nuclear Analysis Program. University of
Missouri-Columbia).
Neutron Activation Analysis
(NAA): NAA has been used in forensics to measure trace elements in small
quantities of hair. It can be used for segmental analysis of hair. Segmental
analysis can reveal isolated elevations of contamination along the hair and
provide information regarding the contamination of the length of the hair over
time. Identifying patterns over time can help distinguish whether exposure is
endogenous or exogenous. These techniques are not widely commercially
available, however.
So what we have here is a serious finding
related to a fatal poisoning that could have been masterminded from within the
GBC itself. The analysis is the conclusion
of an impartial scientist with recognised qualified credentials in his
specified field (NAA). Dr. Morris was
not hired as a witness for the prosecution or defence; he was commissioned by
Balavanta Das who was in turn appointed by the GBC. Dr. Morris is a witness for the truth, and
the truth is, Srila Prabhupada was poisoned with a concentration of arsenic
that was twenty times higher than normal.
Here's another expert summation ignored by
Hooper: -
"In my opinion, to a reasonable degree of
medical certainty, that this individual, (Srila Prabhupada) with the history of
multiple myocardial infarcts and non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and
considering his age would be an individual in frail health in which a chronic
administration or exposure of arsenic leading to toxic levels would be expected
to be a significant contributing condition to his death..." (Richard. T.
Callery. M.D., F.C.A.P. Chief Medical Examiner. Director, Forensic Sciences
Laboratory. Delaware Health and Social Services, USA)
As our readers can see, Dr. Callery is no
ordinary medic. He, like Dr. Morris, is
highly accredited, and both experts are offering conclusions free of bias. Dr. Callery’s statement is supportive of Dr.
Morris’ conclusions in that a chronic
administration or exposure of arsenic leading to toxic levels would be expected
to be a significant contributing condition to his (Prabhupada’s) death. Unless Dr. Morris was out to frame the GBC by discarding the submitted
GBC samples for samples he secured from the morgue, undertakers or someone’s
tomb; the toxic levels in Srila Prabhupada was twenty times higher than normal,
which indicates chronic arsenic poisoning. To further enlighten our readers on the seriousness of the findings, we
sought out other scientific opinion. In
reading the expert quotes below, it is essential to bear in mind what Dr.
Callery stated, which we strongly believe was also the conviction of the
poisoners: “considering his age would be
an individual in frail health in which a chronic administration or exposure of
arsenic leading to toxic levels would be expected to be a significant
contributing condition to his death.” Also,
we ask readers to bear in mind that the level of arsenic (2. 6ppm) was taken
from samples cut during September ’77. Since Srila Prabhupada did not have a change of scene or diet, or the
fact that his source of contamination was not identified, we have reason to
believe that the level increased rather than decreased prior to his passing.
”Daily
consumption of water with greater than 50 micrograms per litre of arsenic, less
than 1 % of the fatal dose, can lead to problems with skin, circulatory and
nervous systems. Greater problems can occur if the arsenic poisoning is of a
chronic nature and resulting in neural disorders, vital organ damage and
eventually death." (Joe
Harrison. Technical director of Water
Quality Association.)
“Levels in individuals with chronic
(arsenic) poisoning range between 1 and 5 ppm." (US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA))
“2.6 ppm is a level to be
very concerned about, bordering between dangerous and very dangerous.” (Dr. J. S Morris)
“Normal Arsenic levels in normal human hair, I would
guess it is probably less than 1 ppm." (Leroy
Jacobs (Director). Golden Co.)
The Heavy Elements: Chemistry, Environmental Impact and
Health Effects, pg 488
Pakistan: range 0.04 - 1.41 ppm, average
of 0.26 ppm.
England: range 0.101 - 2.41 ppm, average of 0.525 ppm.
Controls: range 0.0 - 1.85 ppm, average of 0.25 ppm.
To further canvass
scientific opinion, we travelled to India and the heart of arsenic research:
Bengal. Here is an excerpt from an
interview done in Kolkata with a leading researcher in arsenic
contamination/poisoning.
BIF: What are your accepted levels of arsenic?
Dr.
Chakraborti: We take microgram solutions (?).
BIF: How much is it in ppm?
Dr.
C:
It’s 0. 01 ppm. (Note: This concurs with Dr. Muzamdar, Dept of Sanitary
Engineering. Govt of Bengal: min 0. 01 to 0. 05)
BIF: Tell me.... how
can someone living in Mayapur, come up with 2. 6ppm?
Dr.
C:
Oh, he will be...he will be finished!
BIF: He will be finished? Red Alert?
Dr.
C:
Yes.
NOTE: There has been some speculation from
GBC supporters on the theory that His Divine Grace ‘may have been poisoned’ by well water while in Mayapur. We wish to point out that although Srila
Prabhupada’s stays in Mayapur were only brief, Balavanta Das, while acting as
investigator for the GBC, tested all relevant drinking water wells in ISKCON
Mayapur (Appendix 1). The well in the Lotus building (used for all Srila
Prabhupada’s cooking and drinking needs) was especially targeted and proved to
be UNCONTAMINATED. Further, Srila
Prabhupada’s travel profile and the sources of water used for his cooking and
drinking needs, present no possibility of exposure to such high and abnormal
levels of arsenic.
But the GBC author was a man on a
mission. He produced his own
"expert" to mitigate (please note the caption of chapter one (NTIP):
"Hair Analysis Shows No Sign of
Poisoning" ...he eradicates completely) the findings of Drs. Morris
and Callery.
Enter Larry Kovar, the GBC
"expert". The book implied
(page 39, para-1) Mr. Kovar was (quote) " A trained scientist working in the very
specialised field of neutron activation analysis for hair arsenic content" (unquote). Hooper quotes (in NTIP) an
e-mail received from Larry Kovar, in which Mr. Kovar says in his opinion
average hair arsenic levels are from 3 ppm to 10 ppm. We contacted Mr. Kovar, this is what he had
to say: -
"Arsenic in normal hair may vary from less than 0.1 ppm to
about 10 ppm."
After three requests, he confirmed his inaccuracy of the email to the GBC author, indirectly admitting his inconsistency. Writing back to Mr. Kovar and pointing out that his opinion of normal being 0.1 to 10 ppm did not concur with scientific findings in toxicological literature, he reluctantly and partially conceded with this statement:
"Some of the references indicate that "normal" is 1
ppm arsenic, depending on several factors including diet and occupation."
"The data can be found in the scientific literature. Please
note that I have data on acute poisoning, not chronic."
Hardly an "expert," wouldn't you
say? It appears he was confused between
chronic and acute levels of poisoning, and it is clear that Mr. Kovar is not an
expert in normal hair arsenic values. He
essentially concedes as much, and thus his differing opinions have been
effectively retracted by he himself, and should be given no further
credence. Although Mr. Kovar was a nice
fellow, it turns out that Dr. Morris' estimation of normal levels of hair
arsenic was the correct one after all.
Another testing company, Wyoming Analytical
Laboratories, was mentioned in the GBC book, but without providing their
estimation of normal arsenic values. When contacted by investigators, director
Leroy Jacobs of Golden, Co stated:
"...the normal
Arsenic levels in normal human hair, I would guess it is probably less than 1
ppm."
The GBC's author claimed that Dr. Morris is
not an expert on hair values and also neglected to quote the opinion as to
normal values from Wyoming Analytical Labs. Then he states that Larry Kovar is an expert on the subject. We find
that Kovar varies from the scientific verdict, whereas Morris and Jacobs are
correct. On this basis it is rejected that normal is 3-10 ppm and the
scientific studies, which put it at well under 1 ppm, are accepted
instead. Hooper's dubious research
techniques will be further exposed and with more certainty as this report
progresses.
Conclusion
Therefore, the conclusions of Drs. Morris and
Callery stand as authoritative findings that Srila Prabhupada’s arsenic level
of contamination was approximately 20 times higher, which is
consistent with chronic administration of poison and; considering his age…a chronic
administration of arsenic would be a significant contributing condition to his
death.
PART ONE
When specifically asked if Srila Prabhupada could have been poisoned, several of the physicians that had treated him in late 1977 responded in the affirmative, including the physician misquoted by NTIP: Dr McIrvine of the United Kingdom. Their responses ranged from ‘poisoning being possible’ to ‘slow poisoning was diagnosed and reported’. Dr. McIrvine, who is referred to in NTIP as Prabhupada’s surgeon (Chapter Two: “Prabhupada’s surgeon Confirms Diabetes To Blame”), when asked directly and specifically about the possibility of poisoning, stated that Srila Prabhupada was never tested for poison levels and therefore detection was not possible (without specified toxic screen tests). Further, he agreed that along with other ailments, concurrent poisoning was possible and could exacerbate other conditions. Once again we invite readers to study the facts and confirm the GBC/NTIP deception for themselves.
REPORT
Section one, Chapter two of the book
"Not That I am Poisoned," (NTIP) entitled "Srila
Prabhupada's Surgeon Confirms: Diabetes to Blame," offers us the
"testimony" of Dr. Andrew J McIrvine. Giving him the title "Prabhupada's
Surgeon," the authors of NTIP would have us believe: 1) Dr.
McIrvine was Srila Prabhupada's personal surgeon, 2) as such, he was best
positioned to analyse Srila Prabhupada's condition. 3) He (Dr. McIrvine) gave a "testimony"
to the NTIP author; 4) if Srila Prabhupada had toxins in his blood, the
analysis/surgery performed by him (Dr. McIrvine) would have revealed this. Hence the title, "Prabhupada's
Surgeon Confirms: Diabetes to Blame."
Point
One-
Was Dr. McIrvine "Srila Prabhupada's
Surgeon?" The answer is a definite
NO! We contacted Dr. McIrvine, here's
what he had to say (quote) "He came only to the
Emergency Room in Watford so would not have had full hospital notes
opened" (unquote). Why would
the doctor speak of "opening notes" if he was Srila Prabhupada's
surgeon? Surely he would already have
notes on his patient? The doctor had
never seen Srila Prabhupada before that is why he had no notes on him. Furthermore, he never "had full hospital
notes opened" because he had no future plans on seeing him again. Why does
the book (NTIP) refer to Dr. McIrvine as Srila
Prabhupada's (personal) Surgeon?
What to speak of Personal Surgeon? If we are to believe Abhirama Das: (NTIP
Pg-114, para 5) (quote) " The above is, I believe, an accurate account of the
diagnosis of the doctors who examined Srila Prabhupada at Peace Memorial
Hospital on 8th September of 1977." (unquote), then we can
understand that Srila Prabhupada had no Personal Surgeon at the hospital, or
the examination would have been done by Dr. McIrvine himself, not some unnamed 'doctors.' Then again, here's Abhirama Das: (Pg-114, para
6) (quote) "When
Srila Prabhupada first arrived at the hospital they had refused to treat his
urethra..." (unquote). They!? Why would they make decisions on a private patient? The truth is, Srila Prabhupada was an outpatient and Dr. McIrvine was
the ER doctor on duty at the time. He was not Srila Prabhupada's
Surgeon. To imply anything else would be
a deception. Having understood this we
must then ask: why does the GBC author want us to believe what isn’t true? Which brings us to point number two.
Point
Two-
Was Dr. McIrvine best positioned to make a statement on Srila Prabhupada's
condition? If the doctor were Srila
Prabhupada's personal surgeon the answer would be ...Yes. But we know he was not. Furthermore, Dr. McIrvine's tests were done
only to establish the cause of "renal failure." He tells us (NTIP Pg 45) (quote) "He was
obviously in poor health and showed signs of renal failure and was found to be
diabetic. These diagnosis were made on clinical suspicion confirmed by blood
and urine analysis" (unquote). Which proves, the doctor noted signs of renal failure, and then diabetes
was "confirmed" by analysis to be the cause. Diabetes was the confirmed cause for renal
failure...it was never confirmed as the
cause of Srila Prabhupada's demise. Where is the Death Certificate signed by the doctor? What to speak of cause of death, there is no
doctor, no signature, and certainly no Death Certificate. So what basis does the book have for making
such claims? We know from records that
even though Dr. McIrvine diagnosed diabetes as the cause of renal failure, he
never treated it. His interest lay only
in the urethra, which he did treat. So,
if he did not even treat the diabetes, how could he ".... Confirm: Diabetes To Blame?" The truth is, Dr. McIrvine confirmed to us
that he confirmed no such thing. Bear
with us, we will post his input at the end of this dissection.
Point
Three- Did Dr. McIrvine offer a "testimony" to Hooper as implied
in NTIP? Here it is (41 p), (quote) "...the testimony of this doctor would certainly be very
important to determine the validity of the claims of arsnicosis" (unquote). We have searched for this
"testimony" but cannot find it anywhere. Unless of course NTIP expects us to accept as
testimony the following statement: (quote) "He was obviously in poor health and showed signs of
renal failure and was found to be diabetic. These diagnosis were made on
clinical suspicion confirmed by blood and urine analysis" (unquote). If this is the
"testimony" being referred to by Hooper then, as already explained,
it testifies to the fact that Srila Prabhupada had renal failure caused by
diabetes, not death due to diabetes. Then again, Srila Prabhupada passed away two months after meeting with
Dr. McIrvine, how could the doctor give such a testimony? Another point: How could a doctor
"testify" to a patient's death when all he ever did in the way of treatment
was perform a circumcision two months earlier? Yet, the GBC claim that their book (NTIP) is detailed and comprehensive
Point
Four- If Srila Prabhupada was being poisoned, would the
circumcision/surgery performed by Dr. McIrvine betray the fact? Since this is the whole basis for NTIP's
Chapter-Two, we consulted extensively on the point. Surgeons and pathological laboratories around
the globe are unanimous in their verdict: Only
specific (toxic screen) blood tests
reveal toxins. Our queries began at
the hub of arsenic detection and treatment: The Department of Sanitary
Engineering, and The School of Environmental Studies, Kolkata. These folk are up to their eyeballs in the
current arsenic crisis in Bengal. We
then took our questions to "specialists," and practising surgeons in
America, Britain and Germany. The answer
was always the same: Specific laboratory
tests (screens) are required to detect poisons in the
blood. Our readers are free to try
for themselves. Ask any pathologist or
medical body, this verdict cannot be changed.
Intrinsic to the nature of research undertaken by NTIP's author, "experts" were necessary to validate the deception. Mr. Larry Kovar was produced to inform us that 3 ppm to 10 ppm of arsenic in our system was average. Now the NTIP author would like us to wrongly believe that Dr. McIrvine is "testifying," "If there was any poisoning, I would have detected it." However, this was a matter of medical correctness. It wasn't easy finding an "expert" in the field who was willing to ‘testify’, and this is truly what brings Chapter Two unstuck. A true medical expert was called on and his words twisted to validate NTIP's fabrications.
Now, we arrive at the analysis given by the
doctor, whom Hooper calls Srila Prabhupada's Surgeon, the medical expert who "confirmed" diabetes
to be the cause of Srila Prabhupada's demise. And, who found "no
poison" without even looking for it. Here are excerpts from Dr. Andrew McIrvine
e-mail to us (in red, our comments in blue): -
He came only to the emergency Room in Watford so would not have had full hospital notes opened
(This shows positively; Dr. McIrvine was not "Srila Prabhupada's Surgeon," as captioned by Hooper)
I am afraid this is all from memory
rather than actual records - but as you can imagine he was a very memorable
patient
(There were no actual records or poison tests (read below) ...how could he "Confirm: Diabetes to blame?")
(These tests have nothing to do with blood testing for poison)
“.... but unfortunately there was never any suspicion of
poisoning at the time and no test would have been done to substantiate the
argument in either direction."
(And that, dear reader, is the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth)
Not wanting to waste the opportunity in obtaining a medical expert's opinion, we asked the doctor a few questions. This is what he had to say: (Our questions in blue, the doctor's answers in red, comments in black)
1. What type of
blood and urine analyses was done? Would those samples or a tissue sample still
be available for further testing?
He came only to the emergency Room in Watford so would not have had full
hospital notes opened. In the National Health Service we usually only keep
records for 7 years max. I would probably have done just simple tests, Hb, BUN,
electrolytes, I do not think we would have kept tissue samples.
2. Could not poisoning have exacerbated his diabetes and renal
failure?
Yes.
3. A diagnosis of diabetes would not preclude the possibility
of concurrent poisoning, would it?
No.
(NO! The doctor diagnosed diabetes to be the cause of renal failure. He never...."Confirmed Diabetes to Blame" for Srila Prabhupada's death. It could well have been.... concurrent poisoning.")
4. One of the symptoms of chronic arsenic poisoning is the
thickening of skin in certain places of the body: could this possibly explain
his most unusual degree of phimosis?
Very unlikely - this looked like a gradual problem probably
developing over very many years.
(Doesn't mean "no poison")
5. Unless arsenic is confirmed by certain specific tests, could
it not be possible to miss it entirely? And would not arsenic poisoning itself
cause or exacerbate diabetes and renal failure?
Yes and possibly.
(YES! Poison could be missed entirely unless
"confirmed by specific tests." And YES again (Not possibly. Check question two) arsenic does exacerbate
diabetes and renal failure).
Best wishes
Andrew McIrvine
Next, may we draw attention to Appendix 3 of the book (NTIP)? This appendix sprawls over four pages (219, 220, 221 & 222) without enlightening anyone about anything. Once again, we shook, rattled and rolled the book to find the purport to its inclusion. What the pages contain are "Analytical Reports" from a "Scientific Services," a government service based in Brisbane, Australia. What it appears to be, is official results of a test done on "Wahl Hair Clipper Oil" and "Prabhupada's Medicine." We were intrigued. Where did the GBC Ministry find the oil necessary to do an analysis? And, where did they get the idea that arsenic could leak out the hair and into hair-clipper-oil? We won’t even bother to discuss "Prabhupada's Medicine." Whether the "Medicine" was in fact a sample of that administered to Srila Prabhupada depends on the integrity of the NTIP group, ergo, we will leave it where it lies. Anyway, the “medicine” sheds no light on the case and is the lesser of two nothings, so we'll trash it without further ado. But the “oil” was a mystery that did bear investigation.
We contacted Scientific Services. 'Henry' remembered the job and the "vial
of oil." He brought the job up on
the screen, and discussed the matter with his boss, Mr. John Hegarty and
us.... "They asked that we return the
sample," he informed us. "We
completed the job, there was no arsenic in the oil." When told about what NTIP was trying to
prove, Henry cracked up. "So that's what it was. If they had explained
themselves, we could have saved them time and money. It's difficult enough to find arsenic in
water even when you know it's there. 50
ppb is about the best we can do. We do
do hair analysis, but looking for arsenic in hair-clipper oil under the circumstances
is *#*#".
It
would be very interesting to know how, and how much oil was extracted from the
hair-clipper to produce the sample? From
which medical journal /s did the researcher distil this miraculous idea? And what exactly was the exercise supposed to
accomplish other than publish a pretentiously relevant scientific analysis?
In the end, all we discovered was that for
the cost of AUD $ 200.00 (US $ 100 +) the GBC Ministry got four pages of
official government "analysis" about nothing. This "expert analysis" has been used
by those connected with the publication of the book to authenticate the
"research" by its author. In
fact, we believe this is what prompted the "analysis" in the first
place. Its inclusion in NTIP was not an
afterthought but a preconceived strategy to win credence. Just another deception.
Following up on Srila Prabhupada’s medical
case history, we discovered that the last allopathic doctor to see him was Dr.
Khurana. The good doctor, an old friend
of Srila Prabhupada’s, had offered to arrange medical equipment and staff to
come from Delhi and administer to His Divine Grace. Although Srila Prabhupada accepted the offer,
for some inexplicable reason an unidentifiable spokesman later declined
it. In the interest of medical opinion
and the privilege of meeting with the doctor, we travelled to Delhi and secured
this interview:
Excerpt
from taped interview with Dr. Khurana.
Dr: "If he was
given insulin, he (Prabhupada) would have lasted much longer. I think
that."
BIF: " You
actually went ahead and organised that doctors would come from the hospital in
Delhi to see him. That he would not have to go to the hospital."
Dr: "Yes. I
organised all that plus the pathologist who was willing to come all the
way."
BIF: "So
why…? Who knocked it back? Why did they knock it back?"
Dr: "I don’t
know. I told them that they were willing
to come that they would come along themselves in their own cars. All the blood
tests and special tests would..."
BIF: " Could
you tell the difference between the symptoms that are diabetic and those that
come from arsenicosis (just by looking)?"
Dr: "Not so
soon. If you are there for some time,
then you can..."
BIF: "Does it
mean if I am searching for poison, I must do a specified pathological
test?"
Dr:
"Yes."
BIF: "Otherwise
it could slip through?"
Dr: "It
could."
BIF: "It could?"
Dr:
"Hmm." (Yes)
BIF: "How close
are the symptoms of diabetes to those of somebody suffering from
poisoning?"
Dr: "In
diabetes also, you can go into coma if you are not treated properly. If you’re
not getting insulin, or medicines are not acting overly.... oral medicines are
not acting...then you can be absolutely no strength in your muscles or your
walking. Even your talking...you can’t talk properly. So that could happen in
diabetes also."
BIF: "As could
in a poisoning situation?"
Dr:
"Yes."
BIF: "If I came
to you and I had poisoning and you did an operation on me because I had
something else; would you accidentally detect the fact that I was being
poisoned?"
Dr: "If there
was suspicion, then we could get a blood test."
BIF: "But, if
there was no suspicion?"
Dr: "Then you
would just ...(holds hand to throat-die)".
BIF: "And an
old man who had diabetes; if I were to administer poison to him in chronic
dosage...would it cause his demise, more so than in a normal person?"
Dr: "A little
bit earlier than normal."
BIF: "Had he
gone onto a dialysis machine...?"
Dr: "They
would have easily detected the albumen and other things in the urine. And, they
would have done the blood test if they became suspicious."
As additional proof of poisoning, we present
two quotes from the kaviraja who was attending Srila Prabhupada just prior to
his disappearance. The conversations
between the kaviraja and Prabhupada’s attendants will be further highlighted in
the next chapter.
Kaviraja: (translated): “Look, this is the
understanding, some rakshasa may have given him poison. (T-45/B.
“Conversations” vol. 36. 367 p).
Kaviraja: (translated) " If he says (that he is
being poisoned) there
must be some truth to it. There is no
doubt.” (T-45/B)
So, as readers can see, there is so much
mystery surrounding Srila Prabhupada’s passing. Why is the GBC book (NTIP) implying that Dr. McIrvine concluded diabetes
was the cause without him ever doing a toxic screen test? Why are the GBC quibbling over 2. 66 ppm of
arsenic? Suppose Srila Prabhupada has a
cocktail of heavy metal alloys in his body. Just because arsenic was discovered doesn't necessarily mean that that
is all there is. Arsenic screen testing
was the only one applied. As we can see,
the doctors agree unanimously that tests are required to detect poison. We can add unhesitatingly; specified screens
are applied for specified poisons. So
why didn’t the GBC pursue this possibility further? Instead they totally disrespect the
intelligence of Srila Prabhupada’s followers with constant lies and deceptions.
“Most signs and symptoms associated with natural disease can be
produced by some poison, and practically every sign and symptom observed in
poisoning can be mimicked by those associated with natural diseases.” L. Adelson.
Name withheld (taped interview)
"When Bonamali was approached again to administer to Swami
Prabhupada, he was cautious. He knew
Swamiji was being treated by other kavirajas. He did not want to become involved without first doing urine sample and
basic examinations. This was standard
practice.
He requested the two devotees who came to the dispensary (to) first bring him a urine sample. Bonamali lifted the bottle (a Dabur honey bottle) up to the sunlight. The urine was in three layers…three rings. I was standing to his right side. He turned to me and said, "This is poisoning. The first layer is blood, second is bone and third is marrow." He said to me, "This is slow poison. After giving this poison, the man will die slowly...no one can judge what is happening." This thing Bonamali explained to me then and there. And he told them also (the two devotees who had brought the sample), "I think it is poison."
"When it was discovered that the medicine was having no effect, the three kavirajas who had worked on Swamiji (Srila Prabhupada) met to discuss the problem. It was concluded at the meeting that the Swami’s body had been poisoned and that the medicines were proving ineffectual because of it. It was further decided to prepare a formula that would first deal with the poison, and having successfully removed it, the Swami could then be treated for his ailment. During the process of securing the herbs for the task, Swamiji left his body.”
Conclusion
“THE RAVANA WILL KILL (ME)” (SRILA PRABHUPADA, NOV 10, 1977 CONVERSATIONS)
SUMMARY
This Chapter analyses the documented
“Conversations” with His Divine Grace, Srila Prabhupada just prior to his
disappearance. The recordings are
identified as tapes T-44, 45 & 46. Transcripts of the tapes are available in a BBT publication entitled:
“Conversations with Srila Prabhupada Volume 36.” Tapes and book are available from the BBT
Archives: Sandy Ridge, North Carolina.
Since the "Conversations," are in
fact the actual words of Srila Prabhupada and his senior disciples, it is the
epicentre of the poison issue. And what
the "Conversations" tell us is 1) Srila Prabhupada himself raised the
issue of poisoning. 2) He believed that
the poisoning was a possibility. 3) He said he had the symptoms of poisoning.
4) He confirmed this by saying he had studied it (poisoning) in a book. 5) He
said he had information about his poisoning. 6) He heard his disciples
whispering about the poisoning. 7) He was mentally and physically distressed
about the fact. 8) He said his Guru Maharaja had also been poisoned. 9) He
wanted that his food be prepared under strict supervision. 10) Bhakticaru heard
Srila Prabhupada's complaint and accepted that he had been poisoned. 11) Tamal
Krsna accepted Srila Prabhupada's complaint to be true and did not at any stage
refute it. 12) The kaviraja also accepted the complaint to be true and admitted
it. 13) Srila Prabhupada clearly stated (T-46) that a “Ravana” was killing him. Yet, the GBC publication is captioned: "Not
that I am Poisoned," and further endorses this myth with statements
like:
(NTIP Page-47, Para -2 ) " However, although Prabhupada made
indirect references to poisoning, relating to what he had heard from friends or
what he had felt about the makaradhvaja etc. What they seem to overlook is the
fact that he made very clear and direct statements to the effect that he wasn't
being poisoned."
The preposterousness of the above statement
is evidently clear. If we are to believe
that His Divine Grace. "...made very clear and direct statements that he wasn't
being poisoned," then we must conclude that he raised the
subject simply to make "clear and direct statements" that it was
irrelevant. Absurd isn't it? Our arguments along with the facts are
presented further below. Another point
being subtly introduced here by the GBC is, " ..what he had heard from friends." As if the friends being referred to could
quite possibly be outsiders, distanced from the immediate group, a casual
friend/ visitor. But what Srila
Prabhupada said was, "Ye saab friends," which means; "All
these friends,” or "The ones right here." A statement by Srila Prabhupada
pointing directly at disciples who were there at the time, not strangers. This fact can be heard by all on T-44/A. Please study Appendix 7 and listen to
attached CD for further confirmation.
We are certain
from audiotapes (T-44/45/46) that his diagnosis/ information/ suspicions/ were
understood and acknowledged by all present. If those who were standing right there beside Srila Prabhupada accepted
the fact without refutation, why is the GBC refuting it now? The truth is, not a single person protested
at the time, not Damodar Shastri (kaviraja), not Tamal Krsna (secretary) or
Bhakticaru (nurse). Not a single word
(by anyone) was raised against the possibility that His Divine Grace was being
poisoned. Quite to the contrary. Here below is proof that Srila Prabhupada said he was being poisoned. Even if we cannot hear it on tape (so many
tapes are missing) the very fact that it was confirmed by those present, proves
it ipso facto. (Excerpts taken from ISKCON BBT publication:
"Conversations with Srila Prabhupada." Volume 36 and audio tapes
T-44, 45, 46). Hindi translations by the
author, with comments in blue.
Kaviraja: "Yeh
Maharaja, yeh kotha aap kaise bola aaj ki koi bola hi ki poison diya hai?........"
Translation: Maharaji, You
know how you said today that someone
said that (you) have been given poison?....." (So
here is confirmation No: 1, of Srila Prabhupada's complaint) (pg-354,
line 23)
Kaviraja: "Dekhye,
bat hi hai, ki koi rakshas ne diyo ho."....
Translation: Look, this is
the understanding, some rakshasa may have given (him poison). (Here is acceptance, and confirmation No: 2) (pg-367,
line 29)
Kaviraja: "Yeh bolte hai to isme kuch na kuch
satya he. Isme koi sandeha nahin."....
Translation: If this is said (that he is being
poisoned) there must be some truth to it. There's no doubt. (Here is acceptance, and confirmation No: 3) (pg-367,
line 37)
Bhakticaru: "SOMEONE
GAVE HIM POISON HERE." (Acceptance and
confirmation No: 4, and from a different source. (pg-367, line 29)
Tamala
Krsna: Srila Prabhupada, Sastriji says that there must be some truth to it
if you say that. So who is it that
has poisoned?
(Acceptance and confirmation No: 5, and from yet another source) (pg-368)
Tamal Krsna: "Prabhupada was thinking that someone had poisoned him." (Acceptance and confirmation No: 6) (pg-367, line 32)
Bhakticaru:
"YES." (Confirmation No: 7) (pg-367,
line 33)
Bhakticaru: "He said
that when Srila Prabhupada was saying that (He was being poisoned) THERE MUST BE SOME TRUTH BEHIND IT." (Confirmation No: 8) (pg-367, line 38)
Since the author of NTIP has gone carte
blanche to establish his views, may we in order to compound the facts,
introduce testimonies of some that were there at the time. You will see that without any cue or
lobbying, they absolutely agree with His Divine Grace, Bhakticaru, the kaviraja
and Tamal Krsna.
(Name withheld): " Bhakticaru was also shocked as the rest of us were. What
happened was, we were all within and around Srila Prabhupada's bed, at least
there were five godbrothers present.....Srila Prabhupada said something and we
did not understand mostly because Srila Prabhupada spoke in a whisper then.
Bhakticaru understanding it was Bengali Srila Prabhupada was speaking, climbed
closer within Srila Prabhupada's bed to hear what His Divine Grace had said. In
Bengali Srila Prabhupada spoke something to Bhakticaru at which he at once
translated to us as Srila Prabhupada is saying, Someone has poisoned him. There
was a moment of silence and we were all shocked at this. Then once again Srila
Prabhupada said also only to Bhakticaru in Bengali, which Bhakticaru instantly
translated as, "He's saying he's
been poisoned like they poisoned his Guru Maharaja." Tamala Krsna was to
the back of the bed and he came around to Srila Prabhupada's left hand side and
said, "Who has poisoned you Srila Prabhupada?" And then said without
waiting for an answer to his question "No one could poison you it would
surely have to be some poison as you are always protected by the Holy
Name."
Bhakticaru: (in Europe) "It's just natural when you get such
shocking complaints from Srila Prabhupada, who is very dear to you and he just
happened to be the person you thought you were serving lovingly, then suddenly,
the food you gave him might have been poisoned."
(Name
withheld) " He's been telling me for
the last twenty-four years that Srila Prabhupada was poisoned. He even told me
he suspected Srila Prabhupada was being poisoned before he left this world. Now
he is denying. What is my gain or loss to say this. Bhakticaru Maharaja may
remember that I introduced him to Krsna Consciousness and to the lotus feet of
Srila Prabhupada. Why is he saying lies? Why is he denying like this?"
(Name withheld) " I was very suspicious about Srila Prabhupada's early departure
when Bhakticaru approached me in a panicky mood. He was crying and weeping
heavily. It was Nov, 15 th 1977. He said to me,” Srila Prabhupada said someone
had poisoned him.”
Here below, we deal with the title of the
book (Not That I am Poisoned) and examine the
claim made by its author (Hooper).
(NTIP page 48) " Srila Prabhupada gives an unequivocally
straightforward answer to a straightforward question, "No...not that I am
poisoned." No amount of word jugglery now or in the future can take away
the clear and simple fact that Prabhupada himself denied that he was poisoned." And then again on Page-51,
para-4, Hooper tells us: "....In contrast the phrase, "Not that I am
poisoned," is a direct reply to Tamala Krishna Maharaja's question asking
Prabhupada, "Did you say you were poisoned?"
We have searched through all the available
information on the "Conversations" to try and validate Hooper's
claims. Nowhere can we find the
question/answer being referred to by Hooper. Besides, it is grammatically unacceptable. Here, try it on for size:
Tamal
Krsna (TK): DID YOU SAY YOU WERE POISONED?
Srila
Prabhupada (SP): NOT THAT I AM POISONED.
Doesn't make any sense, does it? You may try the longer version if you
like....the result will be the same. Here we go:
TK: SRILA
PRABHUPADA? YOU SAID BEFORE THAT YOU...THAT IT IS SAID THAT YOU WERE POISONED?
SP: NOT THAT I AM
POISONED.
The truth is, Srila Prabhupada never said 'Not that I am Poisoned" as a statement in
itself. The excerpt was taken from a
twenty-one-word communication that appears in its entirety on page 47 of the
book NTIP. When we get to page 48,
sixteen words from the twenty-one word statement are missing, leaving us with: NO...NOT THAT I AM POISONED. By the time we reach page 51 of the book, the
NO and three dots denoting a pause have also been axed leaving us with: NOT THAT I AM POISONED. This desecration of the statement serves no purpose. Because if, as the book claims, Srila
Prabhupada had said "Not that I am Poisoned," Tamal Krsna would have
believed it, the kaviraja would have believed it, Bhakticaru would have
believed it. But they didn't, and here
is the proof. ("Conversations with
Srila Prabhupada." Vol 36. Page-359) (our comments in blue) :-
SP: NO THESE KIND OF
SYMPTOMS ARE SEEN WHEN A MAN IS POISONED. HE SAID LIKE THAT. NOT THAT I AM
POISONED.
TK: DID ANYONE TELL
YOU THAT OR YOU KNOW IT FROM BEFORE (Know what from
before...that he was NOT POISONED?)
SP: I READ
SOMETHING (Read what...that he was NOT POISONED?)
TK: AH, I SEE.
THAT'S WHY ACTUALLY WE CANNOT ALLOW ANYONE TO COOK FOR YOU. (Why would Tamal want to stop "anyone" from
cooking for SP, is it because SP said he was NOT POISONED?)
Directly after SP was supposed to have
admitted (according to NTIP) that He was not being poisoned, here's the
kaviraja:-
("Conversations with Srila Prabhupada." Volume 36, page-367. Translated from Hindi)
KAVIRAJA: (translated)
"LOOK, THIS IS THE THING, THAT MAYBE SOME RAKSHASA GAVE HIM POISON." (Why didn't the kaviraja believe SP when he said “NOT THAT I
AM POISONED”?).
And again:
KAVIRAJA: (translated)
"IF HE SAYS (THAT HE'S BEEN POISONED) THERE MUST BE SOME TRUTH TO IT.
THERE'S NO DOUBT. (If no one present at the time,
believed that SP had said “NOT THAT I AM POISONED” as a statement in itself,
how can the GBC ask us to believe it now?)
Just for good measure, we'll throw in
Bhakticaru's 'disbelief,' spoken after the
(NOT THAT I AM POISONED) quote: - ("Conversations with Srila
Prabhupada." Volume 36, page-367)
BHAKTICARU: (to Bhavananda
and others) HE'S SAYING THAT SOMEONE GAVE HIM POISON (Well.
Well. It appears that Bhakticaru doesn't believe the GBC endorsed version of
events)
TAMAL
KRSNA: PRABHUPADA WAS THINKING THAT SOMEONE HAD POISONED HIM (Tamala Krsna definitely doesn't believe it)
BHAKTICARU: YES. (But now, in the new GBC version of events, Bhakticaru says "No.")
TAMAL
KRSNA: THAT WAS THE MENTAL DISTRESS? (Why mental
distress when there's no poisoning?)
BHAKTICARU: YES (But now Bhakticaru
says "No.")
So here's the statement made by Srila Prabhupada that was edited to give us “NOT THAT I AM POISONED:
TK: SRILA
PRABHUPADA? YOU SAID BEFORE THAT YOU...THAT
IT IS SAID THAT YOU WERE POISONED?
SP: "NO. THESE
KIND OF SYMPTOMS ARE SEEN WHEN A MAN IS POISONED. HE SAID LIKE THAT, (Right. that's what "He" said) NOT THAT I
AM POISONED." (“HE" (the informant) said
that SRILA Prabhupada had the symptoms seen when a person is poisoned. He didn’t say directly that SP was poisoned.)
We now go back to Chapter Three of the book
(NTIP) to further explore the GBC reasons for denying an investigation.
(NTIP, 48 p): "...the poison advocates claim that he (Srila Prabhupada) actually revealed the truth in Hindi to the kaviraja about
his poisoning, while keeping the information hidden from his disciples."
Srila Prabhupada would tell anyone who came close enough to hear him, and this included practical strangers. Balaram Misra (a visiting Bengali priest) had barely asked Srila Prabhupada ".....chinte perecchen aamake?" (do you recognise me?), before Srila Prabhupada was saying, “Ka bole je poison korechhe......hote pare.” (Someone said that I've been poisoned...it's possible). He told the kaviraja, he told Bhakticaru, he told Tamal Krsna. In fact, following his disclosure to Balaram Misra security was tightened considerably. Only those screened and approved were permitted entry. Even so, no private mano-a-guru darshans were possible. There are still many disciples out there who remember how they were kept away from Srila Prabhupada when they most wanted to be near him. Srila Prabhupada was continuously and closely monitored. We know for a fact that many of Srila Prabhupada's old friends were turned away without darshan. Nrshmanandan Goswami, O.B.L. Kapoor, Bishvambar Goswami, Dr. Khurana. Dr. Ghosh, all complained bitterly about Tamal Krsna's security cordon. There should be no doubt that His Divine Grace would, and did tell those around him of the poisoning. There should be absolutely no doubt that his "screened and approved" attendants knew this. BIF has interviewed security guards whose sole business it was to turn away all unscreened visitors.
(NTIP. Page-146) Tamala Krsna: "WE did not go searching for a murderer because WE
concluded there was no murder."
Why is it that this decision was made by young men with no training? Why were proper authorities not contacted? We asked Tamal Krsna, "Who are the "WE" that made this decision?" he never answered our query. Here is one of many possible reasons (not dissimilar to our case) why the “WE” did not contact authorities as they should have. Below we present a sample of what a poison complaint can lead to when nurses notify the proper authorities.
"Please help me; my wife is trying to kill me; she is not as
she seems," Robert Curley pleaded with a nurse at Hershey Medical Center
in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, according to an Associated Press report. Curley,
32, died the next day, September 23, 1991.
Police accused Joann Curley of gradually poisoning her husband over a year,
and arrested her December 12, 1996. She had put thallium in his food and
drink for a year. Gradually he became sicker and sicker. Even when he was
in the hospital, Mrs. Curley brought her husband a thermos of iced tea
poisoned with thallium.”
Here we present two more strange quotes that confirm the acceptance of poisoning by the ‘attendants’ of His Divine Grace.
("Conversations." 368 p) Tamala
Krsna: No
poison is strong enough to stop the Hari Nam Srila Prabhupada.
("Conversations." 368 p) Kaviraja: (Hindi) Bas. Hari Nam ke samne...woh Mira ko jitna poison diya tha; ek boond
parjanese aadmi ka death ho jate. Woh sub pegeya woh, batlayie? Jo Bhagvan ke
prasad lag jate na, woh poison amrit ho jata, samajhte? Trans: That's all… In front of Hari Nam...The amount
of poison that was given to Mira; one drop could cause a man's death. (Mira)
drank it all. Explain that? When one is feeling God's mercy that poison becomes
nectar, understand?
Back to Chapter Three, (NTIP):
(NTIP page 51) (quote) " As any Hindi speaker will confirm, the
phrase ' vahi bat 'means only ' that same discussion/talk,' and that is all. '
Vahi' means 'the same' and 'bat' means 'discussion' or 'subject.”
BIF feels disinclined to agree with NTIP's
"any Hindi speaker" who literally translates "Vahi” to mean
" the same," or "bat" as "discussion/
subject." Whereas Hooper has some
semblance of what's being said, he's still a few bricks short the full
load. "Vahi" means
"that," and "bat" (as ‘a’ in bath) means,
"talk." The literal
translation for "Vahi bat" is " "That talk." There can be no other literal translation for
these two words separately or conjointly. Had the "researcher" for NTIP done his homework his
"Hindi speaker" would have advised him that "discussion" is
translated as batcheet, bhait, moolkat,
panchaat or alaap, but never
correctly as bat. Grammatically speaking, bat is monologue (talk), whereas batcheet is dialogue (discussion). Hence the difference. As for bat translating as "subject",
it can't be done by any stretch of the imagination.
So then, the question remains, "What did
Srila Prabhupada mean by "Vahi bat" or "That talk?" To understand this we need a colloquial
approach. Just as Australians have
abbreviated the sayings of their British predecessors i.e. "G'day
mate!" taken from the Colonial " 'ave a good day Sir!" Similarly, Indians adopted and abbreviated quips
and quotes from the British Raj. One
such popular quote was "The same old story," (an expression of
Colonial frustration). This quote
translates colloquially as "Vahi bat." Only this au
fait with the vernacular can offer a holistic view of the meaning. Bereft of this understanding speculation is
rife. Yet, if we follow Hooper's prompt,
"the same discussion" or "the same subject" still winds up
as "the same old story." Because, if we return to the same discussion/subject from the previous
day, we find the topic to be about poison, and the subject.... its effect; an
account of murder to which Srila Prabhupada added, "My Guru Maharaja
also"...."The same old story." When you bear in mind the second portion of the “ Vahi bat” quote, which
is, “Someone has poisoned me,” it leaves very little to the imagination.
(NTIP page 51) “The fact of the matter is this. Prabhupada
never said, "Someone has poisoned me," in response to the question,
"Have you been poisoned?" The only time he says these words are in response
to, "What was causing you the mental distress this morning?" He
replies that it was the talk from the day before about the possibility that
someone had poisoned him.”
No. The fact of the matter is this, Srila Prabhupada never said he was "mentally distressed." From all accounts his mind was under perfect control. The suggestion of "mental distress" came from Bhavananda. The very fact that Hooper gives this neophyte-perpetuated-observation credence, reveals his own camp and choice of bedfellows. Anyway, by what hidden data has he arrived at this conclusion. Asking readers to accept "Vahi bat" as "the same talk/subject/ discussion from the day before," is no different from saying, "Srila Prabhupada said, "Not That I am Poisoned." Whereas, to read the words "Vahi bat" as "the same old story", discards the nonsense "mental distress" theory while corroborating the audio evidence in hand. Here is the evidence. Judge for yourself.
("Conversations." Page-359) Tamal Krsna: Jayapataka Maharaja was
telling that one acarya, Sankaracarya, of the Sankaracarya line- this was a
while ago- he was poisoned to death. Since that time, none of the acaryas or the gurus of the Sankaracarya
line will ever take any food cooked except by their own men.
Srila
Prabhupada: My Guru Maharaja also.
(the same old story)
("Conversations." Page-368)
Bhakticaru: He was referring to a case,
a big murder case in Calcutta, the husband poisoned the wife.
Bhavananda: Guha.
Kaviraja: (Trans): Svarupa
Guha...the case is now.
Bhakticaru: Shankara
Bannerjee was...
Bhavananda: Our lawyer is
the...(sniggers).
(the same old story)
(Conversations." Page-367)
Kaviraja: (Trans): Listen,
this is the understanding that some demon (may) have given (poison)...Caru
swami ..some demon has given (poison). This can happen. It's not impossible.
There's that Sankaracarya (person), someone gave him poison. For six months he
suffered. There is glass you know? Bottle glass? It was ground and fed in food.
What befell him after twelve months; leprosy spread inside his body. Everyone
suffers their karma. But the medicine I have given, if any (poisonous) effect
occurs; it cannot stay. I give a guarantee, that even if there are effects,
they will not stay. Because right now I cannot detect (poison) has been given
to him. It is detected when the kidneys go bad, or by some symptom of disease,
by (effect) the stars/eclipse, or by poison (symptoms).
(the same old story)
(Conversations" Page-368)
Kaviraja:(Trans) The biggest (worst)
poison is mercury.
Bhakticaru: (Trans) That
was Gaya, that which...
Kaviraja: (Trans) No,
no....that was Svarupa Guha. You read about it didn't you? In Calcutta?
Srila
Prabhupada: Hmm.
Kaviraja (repeats):
Svarupa Guha?
Bhakticaru: (Trans) Svarupa
Guha....he doesn't know (about it).
Kaviraja: (Trans) Her
husband had given it.
Bhakticaru: (Trans) Really?.
Kaviraja: (Trans) It does
not come in a medicine form. Such a heavy dose was given. It's what we call
Rashkapoor.
Bhakticaru: (Trans) No.
That mercury was in...the makhadwaja.
Kaviraja: (Trans) No, no.
That's not mercury. It's called by another name.
Bhakticaru: (Trans) Really?
Bhavananda: What did he say?
Bhakticaru: He said that
it's quite possible that mercury, it's a kind of poison...
Bhagatji: That
makhadwaja..
Kaviraja: Rashkapoor.
Bhakticaru: Rashkapoor?
Kaviraja: (Trans) Aamer
Rash. That's one preparation...It's very poisonous....
(the same old story)
Protected by taboos forbidding investigation,
poison has claimed the lives of many acaryas in India. To an Indian sadhu, assassination of a guru
is "Vahi bat".....the same old story. Even the Vedas have stringent
laws concerning this Gurucide. In recent times however (due to tighter
security, not legal accessibility), murderous disciples have resorted to
whatever means available.
INDIA TODAY. April 30, 2001.
GUNMEN OF THE GODS. By Subhash Mishra
Mahant Divyanandji Maharaj of the Swargashram
Pilikothi ....never moves about the city without his commandos. "Most of
us have firearms for our own personal security and to fight against
unscrupulous operators who are disguised as sadhus," says Divyanandji.
"There have been many incidents in the past when a disciple HAS KILLED A
HEAD PRIEST FOR OWNERSHIP OF THE
PROPERTY ATTACHED TO THE RELIGIOUS PLACES.
There are miscreants who want to grab the land either by dethroning the head
priest or implicating him in false cases or EVEN ELIMINATING HIM
PHYSICALLY," says the Maharaj. "So what is wrong with preparing
ourselves against such elements?"
Echoing the same sentiments, Mahant Ramji
Das, who heads the Santoshi Akhara, says that sometime ago, THE TEMPLE HEAD-
PRIEST WAS MURDERED BY HIS SO-CALLED DISCIPLES. "We don't want a similar
incident and that's why I bought this rifle for my defence," says Das.
Mahant Ram Kirpal Das: " When Lord Ram came to Chitrakoot he was armed
with a bow and arrows to eliminate evils and monsters." The suggestion of
course, is that Das is merely following in the Lord's footsteps. Mahant Anoop
Das of the Khaki Akhara which has about 40 bighas of land attached to the temple
has two firearms with him and has two "disciples" for his security.
He parrots the same reasons for security that everyone else does.
"Vahi bat"........the
same old story.
Now we take a look at one of the many excuses used by the GBC to skip reality:
(NTIP page 51): Another very interesting point which has come
to light recently, is a report from a senior Bengali doctor stating that it is
common terminology for elderly Bengali Vaisnavas to say that they've been
poisoned when some treatment doesn't work. Ameyatma Das reported this in a com
message dated 26 January, 2000...."
What does Hooper mean by, "...very
interesting point that has come to light?" As if some great scientific discovery has been made. Let's go to Ameyatma Prabhu’s report to find
out what it is.
(NTIP, pg-52) “Also one Bengali Dr. I was speaking with, I
told him what Prabhupada said, how he was being poisoned. He laughed, but was
also upset, because he said he has treated many elderly Bengali Vaisnavas and
that it is a very common expression for older Bengalis when they are given some
medicine that does not work well for them. He said that it is very common
Bengali expression for their generation to complain that the Dr. or someone or
the medicine is poisoning them. He is a Bengali, Calcutta man, Dr, who treated
many older Bengali's so I give his understanding some credibility.”
There we have it, after twenty-four years,
the GBC endorsed reason why no legal or pathological investigation was carried
out in lieu of Srila Prabhupada's disclosures. What we are being handed are the inferences of a Bengali doctor (who in
all probability, doesn't have a clue-to-clue about the case) telling us that
elderly Vaisnavas complain of poisoning when dissatisfied with prescribed
medicines. The irony is that the GBC
author has used the statement to bolster his deceptions without realising that
Ameyatma Das has since extricated himself from under GBC influence and opened
his heart to godbrothers. Please read
his revealing letter in PART THREE of this book.
On Nov 10th 1977, Srila Prabhupada made a
very direct statement about the demon
Ravana. He said very clearly, that if he
remained in the situation he was in, it would be suicide because “The Ravana”
would kill him. This was within 48 hours
of his expressing in various ways the possibility that somebody was poisoning
him. As you know by now, the servants
present there confirmed that Srila Prabhupada thought/said he was being
poisoned. Here is a recap of that
section, as directly quoted from the Bhaktivedanta Archives Conversation book
volume 36, page 378.
Jagadisa: Srila Prabhupada, can you tell us why you
want to go on the
parikrama?
Tamal
Krsna: This seems like suicide Srila
Prabhupada, this program. It seems to
some of us like it’s suicidal.
Prabhupada: And this is also
suicidal.
Tamal
Krsna: Hm. Prabhupada said, "And
this is also suicidal.” Now you have to
choose which suicide..
Prabhupada: The Ravana will kill and the Ram will kill. Better to be killed by Rama. Eh? That Marica-if he does not go to mislead Sita, he’ll
be killed by Ravana; and if he goes to be killed by Ram, it is better.
A short time later (380 p), and after much
advice against going on parikrama, Srila Prabhupada enforces the “The Ravana”
theory with this statement. Prabhupada: But
I think I shall be cured …(if I go on parikrama and remove myself from
this room/ these servants/ that Ravana).
No matter what angle we approach the
conversation above…it is loaded. What on
earth does Tamal Krsna mean when he offers Srila Prabhupada a choice of suicides? Why did Tamal Krsna believe he had the
power to murder Srila Prabhupada? Tamal
Krsna: Now on
one hand we could take it...give him that medicine (poison) or let him stop
eating...to death...until death, we
could have done that." (Taped conversation with Satsvarupa
das, 1977). Why did Srila Prabhupada feel that
The Ravana will kill? Who was that Ravana? Where was he if not in the room with Srila
Prabhupada? To believe that His Divine
Grace had the jantra mantra to openly
accuse someone without an inquest is madness. He suspected a ‘Ravana’ was poisoning him; he told those around him
about it, but what they chose to do from then on is totally out of character
with innocence; they suppressed the complaint. Tamal Krsna (Twenty –three
years later): "We did not go searching for a murderer because we concluded there was no murder" (NTIP, page 146).
(1) On
Nov. 8th, Srila Prabhupada stated that somebody had said that someone had
poisoned him. We have shown how every
single person present in the room believed it. A few hours after the statement was made, the tape recorder (in
Prabhupada’s room) picked up several whispers containing the word “poison.” Forensic experts have since identified the
whispers to be a possible ‘poison conspiracy.’ One of the whispers positively identified is, “It’s going down…the
poison’s going down.” Not much later,
Srila Prabhupada says that to stay where he is, is suicidal. On hearing this, Tamal Krsna, who accepted
responsibility for the “poison’s going down” whisper (revealed in next
Chapter), informs Srila Prabhupada that whether he goes or whether he stays his
“suicide” is inevitable; all he has is a choice of which suicide. Srila Prabhupada then says that if he stays
where he is, a Ravana will kill him; if he dies naturally then Rama would be
his killer and that is better, but if he goes on parikrama he will be
cured. In spite of all these
revelations, the GBC book (NTIP, 47 p) claims: "…he made very clear and direct statements
to the effect that he wasn't being poisoned." Then they give us the “Not that I am Poisoned
“ extraction as proof. Pathetic, isn’t
it?
Meaning of the name, “Ravana”: -
1 One who makes others cry.
2.Dresses as a sannyasi to mislead Sita.
3.Performs great austerities to achieve his
purposes.
4.Steals Sita...but only the false Sita. (Is
there a false Iskcon in a
similar way...stolen by Ravana?). Then what and where is the real Iskcon?
5.Uses Marica to mislead Sita? (Has
Prabhupada's name been used over and
over again to cheat and mislead thousands of
devotees?)
Finally, what would YOU have done if Srila
Prabhupada was saying that by leaving the "Ravana" situation and
going on parikrama, HE WOULD BE CURED? Beg him to stay where he was? Why? Did the Kaviraja know better
than Srila Prabhupada? Why was Srila
Prabhupada’s desire to get away from Ravana protested so strongly? Did Ravana influence the Kaviraja’s opinion? Was there a demonic agenda that spurred the
controversial decisions being made? These questions were not answered in the past (when they should have
been), they are not being answered now, nor will they be in the future, not
unless we initiate a full and official inquest into the circumstances
surrounding the mysterious disappearance of His Divine Grace, A C Bhaktivedanta
Swami Prabhupada.
PART ONE
CHAPTER FOUR
TAMAL KRSNA INCRIMINATES HIMSELF AS
WHISPERING: "THE POISON'S GOING DOWN."
On November 10, 1977, two days after Srila Prabhupada first brought up the matter of his being poisoned, at the moment when he was given some milk to drink, there were whispers that were picked up by the tape recorder at Srila Prabhupada’s bedside. The persons who were with Srila Prabhupada in the room at that time, as picked up by the tape recorder (also transcribed in Volume 36 ‘Conversations’ by the BBT Archives) include Tamal Krishna, Bhavananda, Jayapataka and Bhakti Caru. Three top level Audio Forensic engineers in the United States have identified the word ‘poison’ as a frequent utterance.
Although there
were several instances in which the word ‘poison’ was mentioned, one particular
whisper stands out as very incriminating. On audiotape T-46, just as Srila Prabhupada is being given milk by
Bhakticaru, audio analysts have identified the whisper ‘It’s
going down…the poison’s going down’, and have recommended that
an investigation for homicide be undertaken. The analysts are authorities in this area who regularly appear as expert
witnesses in front of juries and judges on behalf of government agencies,
insurance companies and other very significant clients. Their findings and recommendations are thus
treated with a great degree of seriousness. In the GBC endorsed report, NTIP, Hooper writes that he clearly hears
that same whisper at that same moment; however he states that he hears Tamal
whispering ‘the swelling is going down.’ Then NTIP claims to have used an audio
forensic expert in Australia, David Neil, to confirm Hooper’s findings. A separate investigation and interview with
David Neil by a professional detective agency produced the following statement;
‘Neil has no accredited qualifications
as in audio forensics and has been misquoted in the publication ‘Not That I Am
Poisoned.’’ Further Hooper writes
that when he informed Tamal that he clearly hears him whisper ‘the swelling is
going down’. Tamal apparently seems to agree that he was whispering ‘the
swelling is going down’, and therefore approves the publication of this
finding. What he is actually whispering,
as detected by these top-level audio forensic engineers is ‘the
poison’s going down.’ Please study for yourself how he thus
incriminates himself.
This report,
deals with Chapter Five of the book: "Not that I
am Poisoned" (NTIP), published by "The
GBC Ministry for the Protection of ISKCON." Entitled: “The Will
O' The Whispers," it informs us that Hooper (the book's author)
employed an "expert" in the field of audio forensics. We are further informed that the
"expert," (who had worked for the Australian Federal Police) was
convinced that "poison whispers" (recorded unintentionally at Srila
Prabhupada's deathbed) confirmed by other renowned scientists "SIMPLY DOES NOT EXIST". We hired a reputable detective agency to
investigate the GBC "expert." What we discovered was more GBC deception, and yet another concocted
"expert."
When we noticed a
paragraph in the book (NTIP, 74 p) claiming that a
digital mastering studio called "The Refinery" in Australia had done
(quote) "EXTENSIVE AUDIO FORENSIC
WORK FOR MANY DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS, INCLUDING THE AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL
POLICE" (unquote), we knew it was untrue. The Australian Federal Police are a crack outfit with state-of-the-art
equipment, why would they employ a "Digital Mastering Studio"? Another alert came soon after, on page 75
(quote) "I MENTIONED JACK
MITCHELL'S SPECTRUM ANALYSIS OF THE WHISPERS TO DAVE (the "Refinery
owner/operator) HE POINTED OUT THAT
THIS METHOD OF ANALYSIS IS CURRENTLY BEING QUESTIONED WITHIN THE AUDIO
INDUSTRY...." (unquote). We were amazed. Mr. Jack Mitchell lives on the cutting edge
of Audio Forensics. He is the
owner/engineer of " Commercial Audio/ Forensic Audio/ Computer Audio
Engineering" in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He boasts a success rate of 99% BY HIS CLIENTS. His qualifications are impeccable. We decided to do a company search on
"Dave" and "The Refinery." Here are the results:
1) No company
named...”THE REFINERY" was ever registered.
2) A business
name... "THE REFINERY MASTERING" was. (This
means the company was never "registered," just a "Business
Name."..... Big difference)
3) Nature of
business...Music production-mastering and editing services (Nothing to do with
forensics).
4) Date
Registered: 04/06/1996
5) Business
Status: BUSINESS NAME REMOVED.
6) Date
Cancelled/ Removed: 17/10/2000
7) Person(s) carrying on business current: NONE.
8) Other places
of business current...NONE.
9) Other places of business previous...NONE
"Dave"
was only in business for four years, not even registered...a roadie...a
mixer. He was in no position to pass
judgement on a " Forensic Scientist." Our next step was to contact "Dave." He was coy but talked with us. " They misquoted me," he complained. "Didn't hold up
their end of the bargain. Never gave me a copy of the transcript." To get "Dave's" complaints on record
we hired a reputable detective agency. Here's the true story: -
REPORT: INTERNATIONAL
DETECTIVE AGENCIES (IDS).
INSTRUCTIONS: Your instructions were concise and to the point, seeking our assistance to interview David NEIL (Dave) and confirm or negate various statements made in a publication "Not that I am poisoned."...As this statement is self-explanatory we shall not reiterate the entire contents. However it is suffice to say that NEIL HAS NO ACCREDITED QUALIFICATIONS IN AUDIO FORENSICS AND HAS BEEN MISQUOTED IN THE PUBLICATION "NOT THAT I AM POISONED."
Excerpts from DAVID (Dave) NEIL'S Statement: -
1) I HAVE ONLY EVER HAD ONE MEETING WITH DAVID WHOSE SURNAME I DO NOT
KNOW. AND THAT ONE MEETING WAS THE ONLY MEETING INVOLVING ANYONE FROM ISKCON. (BIF has since
identified this 'DAVID' to be David Hooper (a.k.a Deva Gaura Hari Das (JPS)).
2) ONCE THE AUDIOTAPE WAS IN MY POSSESSION AND OVER THE NEXT 30 MINUTES TO ONE (1) HOUR, AN EXAMINATION OF THE TAPE WAS CONDUCTED.
3) MY ASSESSMENT OF WHAT APPEARED TO BE SAID ON THE AUDIO CASSETTE TAPE AND I RECALL THE PARTICULAR SECTION OF THE TAPE, WHICH DAVID WAS INTERESTED IN, CONTAINED THE WORDS: "THE SWELLING IS GOING DOWN" OR WORDS TO THAT EFFECT. THE WORDS...."IT'S GOING DOWN" WERE QUITE CLEAR, HOWEVER THE BALANCE OF THAT SENTENCE WAS NOT, DUE TO THE POOR QUALITY OF THE TAPE.
Before continuing
with Mr. Neil's statement, let's hear what Hooper had to say in connection with
this matter: -
(Page-74, para-3): " AFTER OPTIMIZING AND ENHANCING
THE WHISPER, HE PLAYED US THE CORRESPONDING SECTION OF TAPE. WE BOTH AGREED
THAT THE ALLEGED "POISON'S GOING DOWN" WHISPER SIMPLY DOES NOT
EXIST."
Here he quotes
from an interview with Tamala Krsna. (Page-75, para- 1):- " I RECEIVED THE FAMOUS T-46 TAPE FROM THE
ARCHIVES, AND WAS AMAZED WHEN I FIRST HEARD THE SO CALLED "POISON IS GOING
DOWN".......I COULD CLEARLY HEAR YOUR VOICE WHISPERING, "THE SWELLING
IS GOING DOWN, THE SWELLING IS GOING DOWN." (unquote).
Neil's statement continued: - "AT THE TIME THIS ASSESSMENT WAS CARRIED OUT, TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, WE WERE BASICALLY ONE OF TWO COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES CARRYING OUT THIS TYPE OF WORK IN BRISBANE."
It appears that Mr. Neil, like Hooper, was not aware of the CLASSIFIED ANALYST'S around him. We found Mr. Neil's company registered in a redundant telephone directory. Probably the same one Hooper found him in. Mr. Neil's advert was nondescript in comparison with his QUALIFIED competitors.
Neil's statement continued:- " I BELIEVE THAT IN THE PUBLICATION " NOT THAT I AM POISONED" I HAVE BEEN QUOTED AS SAYING THAT I HAD PERFORMED AUDIO FORENSIC WORK PREVIOUSLY FOR THE AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE. THIS IS A FALSE STATEMENT, AS I HAVE NEVER CONDUCTED ANY AUDIO FORENSIC WORK FOR THEM."
Neil's statement continued: - " I HAD BEEN OFFERED AND I HAD ACCEPTED AN OFFER TO READ THE DRAFT COPY OF "NOT THAT I AM POISONED" PRIOR TO ITS PUBLICATION. HOWEVER I DID NOT RECEIVE AND WAS NOT GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURSUE THE DRAFT."
Neil's statement continued: - " I WAS ASKED BY DAVID (HOOPER) WHETHER I WOULD BE COMFORTABLE WITH BEING QUOTED IN A BOOK THAT WAS SOON TO BE PUBLISHED, WHICH I NOW KNOW AS "NOT THAT I AM POISONED" AND IT WAS AGREED THAT I WOULD BE WILLING TO BE QUOTED. THIS WAS ON THE PROVISION THAT I WAS GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHECK THE DETAILS OF THE ARTICLE BEFORE IT WAS PUBLISHED."
Neil's Statement continued: - "WITH REGARD TO MY CREDENTIALS, I HAVE NO OFFICIAL TRAINING IN FORENSIC AUDIO STUDIES [...] I HAVE BEEN APPROACHED AND ASKED ON MANY OCCASIONS TO APPEAR AS AN "EXPERT WITNESS," IF IT WERE NECESSARY. ON ALL OCCASIONS I HAVE DECLINED [.........] I AM IN NO WAY QUALIFIED TO SPEAK AS A QUALIFIED EXPERT WITNESS, DUE TO THE LACK OF CERTIFIED ACCREDITATION.
Next we take two quotes from the book NTIP which place a slur on the work and reputation of Mr. Jack Mitchell. Using the falsified opinion of his "expert," Hooper challenges the credibility of Mr. Jack Mitchell. Here it is:
(Page-74, para-2): "ANOTHER QUESTION MARK OVER JACK'S REPORT CAME IN FEBRUARY 2000, WHEN WE TOOK THE ORIGINAL ARCHIVE COPY OF TAPE T-46 TO "THE REFINERY" DIGITAL MASTERING STUDIOS IN BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA, WHO HAVE DONE EXTENSIVE WORK FOR MANY DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS, INCLUDING THE AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE."
(Page-75,
para-3): "I MENTIONED JACK
MITCHELL'S SPECTRUM ANALYSIS OF THE WHISPERS TO "DAVE." HE POINTED
OUT THAT THIS METHOD OF ANALYSIS IS CURRENTLY BEING QUESTIONED WITHIN THE AUDIO
INDUSTRY. HE EXPLAINED THAT THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE SPECTRUM EMPIRICALLY
REPRESENTS THE SOUNDS, BUT THERE IS INCREASING DOUBT THAT IT IS RELIABLE
INDICATOR OF WHAT WORDS ARE BEING SPOKEN, DUE TO THE LARGE VARIATION IN
PRONUNCIATION BETWEEN DIFFERENT SPEAKERS."
Mr. Jack Mitchell's position on the "poison whispers" is well known. The very book (NTIP) that attempts to whitewash Mr. Mitchell’s opinion best describes it. Here we are: -
(Page-73, para-3): " WHILE TALKING WITH JACK (Mitchell) IT BECAME CLEAR THAT HE REALLY BELIEVES THERE IS SOMETHING TO THE POISON THEORY, AND HE ALSO BELIEVES THAT HIS EVIDENCE IS VERY IMPORTANT TO THE CASE IN OTHER WORDS, HE HAS A PREDISPOSITION TO HEARING THINGS IN A PARTICULAR WAY i.e. THAT THE "WHISPERS" ARE INCRIMINATING EVIDENCE OF A MURDER."
Since the publication of the GBC book, further tests have been conducted on the "whispers." Here is the conclusion of yet another famous analytical laboratory. What readers should note is that we have chosen only the particular "whisper" that the GBC Ministry has attempted to negate. Truth is, there are several more poisonous whispers.
Mr. Tom Owen. OWL INVESTIGATIONS Inc. New York:
First Whisper: At approximately 2 .00 Prabhupada
says: Hum, you make me flat."
After that, whispered in the background is the
following:
"Do
this."
"I
swear all of it's going down."
(someone laughing)
"The
Poison's going down."
Conclusion:
There is conversation about poison and the use of it. In my opinion there is
certainly a basis for further investigation. Exhumation would settle the issue,
although I am told that it is against religious beliefs. A forensic
toxicologist and Homicide investigator should be consulted.
Opinion: Based on my training and experience, the word poison is clearly audible and
intelligible in several instances.
Tom Owens
For the report by Mr. Tom Owens, please read Appendix Two. For the complete statement by Mr. David Neil, please read Appendix Three. For the report by Mr. Jack Mitchell, please read Appendix Four.
The
reason for Tamal Krsna’s misunderstanding Srila Prabhupada is not difficult to
grasp. When Srila Prabhuada said: "Ka bole je poison koreche” (Someone said that
I've been poisoned), Tamal Krsna naturally assumed the presence of an informant. When His Divine Grace was asked who had
informed him and replied, “All these friends,”
Tamal Krsna was certain of the informant’s presence. But what he did not know was that the
acoustics in the room had carried whispers of poisoning to Srila Prabhupada
(and to the audio-cassette-recorder, which proves our theory). So, in fact, Srila Prabhupada’s informant was
Tamal Krsna, because Tamal Krsna along with Bhavananda (according to documented
evidence **) are the whisperers. Is it
any wonder why Srila Prabhupada did not reveal the name of his ‘informant,’ and
in spite of repeated questioning by Tamal Krsna?
**(1) Srila Prabhupada said, “All these friends,” meaning, those who were in the room at the time. Tamal Krsna, Bhavananda and Bhakticaru were in the room at the time.
(2) According to the GBC endorsed book its author (Hooper) interviewed
Tamal Krsna who did not deny being the whisperer: " I RECEIVED THE FAMOUS T-46 TAPE FROM THE ARCHIVES, AND
WAS AMAZED WHEN I FIRST HEARD THE SO CALLED "POISON IS GOING DOWN"…I
COULD CLEARLY HEAR YOUR VOICE WHISPERING, "THE SWELLING IS GOING DOWN, THE
SWELLING IS GOING DOWN" (NTIP 75 p). Since Tamal Krsna did not deny it, and
the GBC and Tamal endorsed it, we must accept that Tamal was the one who is
whispering it. But as our readers now
know, three different top level experts in audio forensic analysis have
confirmed the whisper to be ‘THE POISON’S GOING DOWN’ right when Srila
Prabhupada is being given milk on November 10, 1977. Thus, once again, these experts have proven
all three: the GBC, Hooper and Tamal Krsna to be liars and intent on bending
the truth. We highly recommend that
readers should hear the whispers for themselves also.