In a shocking development, Tej Pratap Yadav, the former Bihar minister and RJD leader, accused the head of Patna’s ISKCON temple, Krishna Kripa Das, of operating a “sleaze racket” involving sexual misconduct. Yadav’s allegations have intensified factional tensions within ISKCON, leading to a publicized conflict between the Patna and Bhagalpur branches.
Yadav shared a video on social media showing the current ISKCON Patna president with a young woman, who appears distressed. Speaking to reporters, Yadav emphasized that this is not the first allegation against Krishna Kripa Das, claiming similar incidents had been reported in 2021 when he accused Das of “molesting girls” and undermining the sanctity of the temple. Yadav has called for immediate police action against the temple leader, asserting that such actions damage ISKCON’s public image.
Rival Faction Accusations and Alleged Assault Incident
The controversy deepened when the ISKCON Bhagalpur president, Rakshak Giridhari Das, accused Patna ISKCON president Krishna Kripa Das of harassment and embezzlement. In response, Giridhari Das, along with a group of Bhagalpur ISKCON members, arrived at the Patna temple, purportedly to address these issues. However, according to reports, upon their arrival, they were met with aggression from the Patna temple administration, who allegedly ordered bouncers to attack them with sticks, resulting in injuries to over 12 individuals.
The clashes have sparked outrage, with devotees and local community members expressing concern over the administration of ISKCON Patna. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes at the temple, with terrified devotees caught in the crossfire. Following the incident, the Bhagalpur faction lodged complaints, alleging that the Patna administration used intimidation tactics to avoid scrutiny.
Ongoing Investigation by Authorities
The incident attracted the attention of local law enforcement, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) for Law and Order Krishna Murari Prasad. He confirmed that CCTV footage is being examined to ascertain the sequence of events and determine the veracity of the assault allegations. According to DSP Prasad, initial investigations indicate that tensions stem from longstanding internal conflicts over administrative control between Patna and Bhagalpur factions of ISKCON.
Additionally, there were accusations that the local police exhibited reluctance in filing complaints from the Bhagalpur group, who claim that law enforcement is influenced by the ISKCON Patna administration.
Previous Allegations and Factional Tensions
This is not the first time Krishna Kripa Das has been embroiled in controversy. In 2021, Tej Pratap Yadav publicly accused him of immoral activities within the temple, alleging that Das’s administration was involved in sexual misconduct and that female devotees faced harassment under his leadership. These accusations were dismissed by the Patna administration as fabrications, but the recent escalation of conflicts suggests that underlying tensions remain unresolved.
Following the clash, the Bhagalpur faction approached ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC) in Kolkata, demanding intervention. Reports suggest that the GBC initially organized a meeting between the two factions, but it culminated in violence when Bhagalpur members arrived at the Patna temple.
Patna ISKCON’s Response and Denial of Allegations
In response to the allegations, Patna ISKCON spokesperson Nand Gopal Das has strongly denied any involvement in misconduct. He argued that the video circulated was outdated and alleged that Bhagalpur leaders are attempting to tarnish the reputation of Patna ISKCON by reviving old controversies. Additionally, the Patna administration has filed a counter-complaint against the Bhagalpur faction, accusing them of instigating violence by unlawfully entering the Patna temple premises.
Community Reactions and Next Steps
The publicized allegations and factional violence have cast a shadow over ISKCON Patna’s operations, with community members and devotees expressing shock at the internal turmoil. Local devotees have voiced their disappointment, calling for a transparent investigation into the incidents and for ISKCON’s leadership to address administrative grievances to avoid future conflicts.
The police investigation is ongoing, and the authorities have assured the public that they will conduct a thorough inquiry into both the allegations of misconduct and the violent clash at the temple. The case continues to draw widespread attention, with devotees, officials, and the general public closely watching the developments to understand the root of these escalating tensions.
