Mangaluru: Missing ISKCON worker found dead in river, murder alleged


Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)


Family accuses Mangaluru ISKCON chief Tarunya Sagar Das of 'murder'


Mangaluru, Aug 9:
In a case of suspected murder, a Bengaluru-origin man working with the Mangaluru branch of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was found dead in Netravati river at Adamkudru here on Sunday August 9.

The deceased, identified as Ravi Kumar (25), son of K Narasimhamurthy and Saraswatiamma of Thippenahalli, Bengaluru, worked with ISKCON Mangaluru.

It is learnt that Ravi Kumar went missing a few days back. On Sunday, a fisherman named Clement noticed a body floating in the river, and informed the police.

The body was found in a decomposed state, indicating that Ravi Kumar might have died about three or four days ago. Also, the wire of a mobile charger was found tied around the neck and his body was tied to a bag in which there was a heavy stone.

The police had initially filed a suicide case, but later, Ravi Kumar's brother Narendra claimed that his brother was murdered and accordingly, filed a complaint. It is suspected that Ravi Kumar may have been strangled and his body thrown into the river with the heavy stone attached so that the body would sink.

Narendra has filed a complaint against ISKCON Mangaluru chief Tarunya Sagar Das.

Ravi Kumar's family has alleged that despite several attempts to get in touch with Ravi Kumar over the past few days, they did not get any satisfactory response from ISKCON Mangaluru, and also claimed that Tarunya Sagar Das had talked to them rudely when contacted.

Sources said that Ravi Kumar was a brilliant student who did his engineering in Bengaluru and followed it up with MTech from NIT-K Suratkal, in which he topped. As he was interested in religious activities, he got in touch with ISKCON volunteers in Mangaluru during his studies and later joined the organization full time. He would rarely visit his family in Bengaluru, it is learnt, but would talk to them over the phone at least two or three times a week. Over the past one week or so, his calls had totally stopped. As Ravi Kumar used to travel to other places for religious discourses, he would often be unreachable on phone, hence the family did not worry at first, his brother Narendra said.

"On Friday (August 7), one of Ravi's classmates informed us that he had not heard from Ravi since last Sunday (August 2), and people at ISKCON had failed to give any satisfactory reply. When we came to Mangaluru thereafter, our efforts to get information from ISKCON about Ravi's whereabouts bore no result. Finally, ISKCON's Sharath Vihari Das told us that Ravi had gone missing, but did not give any details," Narendra said.

"We thought he might have gone to Udupi and searched there, but today we came to know from ISKCON chief that his body has been found in Netravati river. He did not speak to us properly and gave no reply to our questions. ISKCON chief as well the organization are responsible for Ravi's death," he alleged.

The body was shifted to a private hospital for post-mortem. Police commissioner S Murugan visited the mortuary and also spoke to Ravi Kumar's father, and assured that a thorough investigation would be done.

Ullal police have registered a case and investigations led by inspector Savitra Teja and SI Bharati are under way.

ISKCON officials were unavailable for comment.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Vanajakshi, Bangalore

    Tue, Aug 18 2015

    very sad about Ravi's death. Iskcon is a brain washing organization. if they want to preach about Bhagvadgita and lord Krishna, they can do it in many ways, not by sacrificing ones career or life. My deepest condolence to Ravi's family.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Wed, Aug 12 2015

    shocking to hear what has happened to a Young brilliant man engaged in social work.more shocking to hear what was the reaction of his employer when he was missed n when his home People contacted.Cant believe.He was simply murdered and thrown off in river as if it was a unwanted Sofa.Poor fellow he didnt deserve it so to handled by own People whoever it is.Hope we hear who it was.Today or tomorrow or in some years,such a ugly act will not go under.Cant imagine how his parents Family will Digest this,.Our heartfelt sympathy to his Family.and may his Soul rest in peace and Show the real murder soon.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Tushti, Bangalore

    Tue, Aug 11 2015

    It should noted that the "ISKCON" mentioned in this article is not the original ISKCON with headquarters in Mumbai and registered in 1971. The ISKCON in question is an illegal splinter group headquartered in Bangalore and lead by one Madhu Pandit Dasa. There is a case in the apex court regarding these two entities. The HC of KA deemed the ISKCON run by Madhu Pandit as being bogus, he appealed to the SC.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • sanmitha, Mangalore

    Tue, Aug 11 2015

    we cant blame iskcon for the murder without any proof .. there are many gundas in mangalore who kidnap people and rob them off and murder them matter must first be thoroughly investigated before blaming any particular person or community..may god give peace to his soul and strength to his loved ones

    DisAgree [14] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sayeedkhan, Bangalore

    Tue, Aug 11 2015

    If ISKCON and there Heads are on truth, they would have come forward and help in investigation in the death of a person who served to there organization. Instead they were not even attended the funeral and behaving rudely with the family person of deceased. This clearly shows that there is something wrong and they are hiding the truth. I hope the police will solve the Mystery and put the culprits behind the bars.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • krishna, bangalore

    Tue, Aug 11 2015

    iskcon is a brainwashing organization. Russians know about it. russian ban only bhagvath geeta of iskcon version get help from russia RT network

    DisAgree [10] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Raghavendra, Bangalore

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    This to be investigated & punished to the concerned persons as per law.

    Please investigate & give justice to his family.

    He is very good person.

    DisAgree Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • nitesh, mangalore

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    we cant blame iskcon for the murder without any proof .. there are many mafia people or gundas in mangalore who kidnap people and rob them off and murder them ...matter must first be thoroughly investigated before blaming any particular person or community..may god give peace to his soul and strength to his loved ones.

    DisAgree [18] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Raghavendra, Bangalore

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    I agree.

    But today i visited to his house no one came from iskon end as he served to iskon more than 3 years.

    This proves they done intentionally...

    I spoken to His brother Mr. narendra also.


    It's very horrible situation as no one possible to see his face that much decomposed.

    I feel no one should die on that type.

    In Major accidents atleast can see the dead body face but in this case face is invisible. Face fully closed with cloth this is the situation here.....

    DisAgree [2] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Aubb, Kuwait

    Mon, Aug 10 2015


    @ Nitesh,

    ISKCON may not be blamed (at least for the time being) as being behind his death,
    atleast they should have shown some respect when the deceased family from Bangalore enquired his whereabouts???

    DisAgree [3] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dev, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    Mafias or Robbers doesn't need to hide their deed if their intention was money.
    Here the finger of suspicion falls directly on the organization as their actions speak louder.
    Firstly they didn't contact their family members if he was missing.
    Secondly they didn't lodge a missing complaint.
    Thirdly their attitude towards their own deceased seems very wrong & mysterious.
    Nobody will take all the precautions to hide the crime as reported in this incidence unless they have something to hide.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anand, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    Everybody need the Position, This is very clear ISKCON, Mangalore should be blamed for this. This is pure murder, not suicide. Police should investigate the culprit.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Aubb, Kuwait

    Mon, Aug 10 2015


    @ Anand,

    Negligent police must be dismissed and jailed first.

    DisAgree Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ramchandra Shetty, Urwa

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    Sad to hear about this death. When a mobile charges cable is wrapped around his neck and his body is tied to a stone to remain submerged how did the police suspect this is a case of suicide??? Are they so dumb & stupid??? My heart goes out to the deceased for investing so much money, time and hard work in doing Engineering & then MTech and waste all that by joining ISKCON. It shows that something is wrong with our education system and the teachers.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [50] Reply Report Abuse

  • sid, mangalore

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    if some one was doing good for the society why do you have a problem . ISCON does many charitable work and spreads the world of Lord Sri Krishna. Education is for once interest and own knowledge.
    Hoping the culprits to be caught soon

    DisAgree [21] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ramchandra Shetty, Urwa

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    I don't have any objection in anyone serving in religious organisation. The problem is how would his parents feel when they spent so much of their money in his higher studies thinking that he will earn it back. Couldn't he join ISKCON without wasting his parents money?

    DisAgree [4] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • ER, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    who said its wasted of education if they Join ISKON? Spirituality is above everything. One finds happiniess is doing social and religious service at later stage why do you blame our education. Its like saying why did he if he earn so much if is going to renounce his wealth at some point of the time?

    DisAgree [15] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • sunita lobo, abu dhabi

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    I thought Indian police are the best only next to Scotland Yard, but claiming it to be suicide when there is evidence of a murder with wire round the neck and stone tied to the body is a bit too much to digest. I think CID Praduyman would have done a better job. Daya kuch tho gadbad hai!!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Stan, Udupi/ Dubai

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    Why such educated people are becoming victims of corruption? May his soul rest in peace.He might have joined there with good intentions to serve but became victim himself of shameless/heartless people. such organizations to be closed permanently. Will the police act quickly to solve the mystery or buckles under pressure to prevent justice to the family

    DisAgree [11] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • P.Shirish Kumnar Hosabettu, Muscat, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    Mr. Stan, 
    Without any enquiry ,how you can say such organization should be closed permanently.!!!

    If this person gone out & someone killed him then how you can blame ISKCON.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rose Mary, Shirady/Bangalore

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    It is shocking to see such a tragic death of a very enterprising young man! I had the privilege of travelling with him and his friend in the train from Mangalore to Bangalore. We had a very good discussion on different topics!I found him very passionate about spreading God Consciousness among the youth in Colleges/Universities! He had given me another name but the photo is of his!
    I offer my prayerful condolences to the parents and the family members of Ravi Kumar! Hope that you will succeed in finding out the cause of his unnatural death!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    Daal Mein Kuch Kaala Hai ...

    DisAgree [7] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joe D'Souza, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    Every Religion has become money making business in God's and Poor's Name.Iskon is more with Meals in Schools business where money is minted. Poor fellow Ravikumar gave up his education,Talents,loving family finally and finally His life. Why the head of Iskon, Tarunya Das did not inform Police Authority regarding missing person inside the Community. This means they do not care. They only care to use these brilliant young men for Canvasing for fortune.

    DisAgree [18] Agree [51] Reply Report Abuse

  • Aubb, Kuwait

    Mon, Aug 10 2015


    Mangalore Police, No. 1 Chor, need to be investigated and jailed first.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • shahnawaz kukkikatte, dubai/udupi

    Sun, Aug 09 2015

    How come police file a casevof suicide when the body was found with a wire around his neck n tied to a bag containing heavy stone n its a prima facie case of murder....how come police shun from their core responsibilities......we wish to know the truth..

    DisAgree [6] Agree [86] Reply Report Abuse

  • PEDDU, MANGALURU

    Sun, Aug 09 2015

    we should start to think human kind religion than the hypocritical man made religion

    JAI RADHE MAAA

    DisAgree [25] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter, Bangalore

    Sun, Aug 09 2015

    Generally many mysteries involves in such cases

    DisAgree [3] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • HINDUSTANI, Manipal/Dubai

    Sun, Aug 09 2015

    Very very sad incident!
    Sad such a brilliant student is no more.
    May God give strenght to his family to overcome this grief.

    May his soul Rest in peace.

    Let the truth come!Culprit must be punished.

    DisAgree Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • raghavendra m k, mumbai maharashtra

    Sun, Aug 09 2015

    It is very sad that a young brilliant student of our nation's prestigious institution becomes victim of so called religion gurus. These type of religious institution/ gurus are doing roaring business in India. For them no vat tax, service tax, or income tax.The young students in India becomes frustrated because of bad/rotten social environment prevailing our society.Secondly true religious lessons of love, oneness, co existence are not taught in their young age , After completion of their education they are not getting employment opportunity as they deserve. Due to this frustration they become pray to these dongi religious gurus. and realize the cheating by these gurus very late. I still remember about 40 years back when ISKON started at juhu a wester suburb of Mumbai few murders taken place in their premises. and their so called foreign gurus wearing wigs are caught red handed by police in night clubs with company of ladies. I believe in the philosophy of KARMA YOGA preached by late ABUDL KALAM should followed. However this is time we all daiji readers convey our condolence to the family of deceased. Ravi Kumar.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [81] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ads, Canadian

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    True words man. Can't agree with you more than this.religion has become a coin machine and human body has no value on this earth Syria to India and rest of the world. Reason is religion

    DisAgree [2] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • jd, mangalore

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    Raghavendra M K - truly spoken. Authorities are so scared to probe deeply in these kind of cases. Registering such an open book case as suicide - a black spot on police functioning.

    Who will get justice for these young lives. I still remember mysterious Rohit death.

    DisAgree Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rakesh, Bangalore

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    It would be nice if you can supply evidences to your statements. Else can you please appologice for the false rumour that you are spreading?

    DisAgree [17] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • ISMAIL K PERINJE, PERINJE

    Sun, Aug 09 2015

    ISCON......should answer for this murder.There must be investigation with out influence and iscon need to cooperate for this sad incident.

    DisAgree [13] Agree [84] Reply Report Abuse

  • Praveen, Kulshekar

    Sun, Aug 09 2015

    ISCKON should answer and the Hindu organization should come down to the streets and protest if they have so much concern of their community, instead of protesting only against the congress like Bangalore chalo Idhar chalo udhar chalo

    DisAgree [13] Agree [74] Reply Report Abuse

  • RSRB, Kundapura / Singapore

    Mon, Aug 10 2015

    ISMAIL K PERINJE, PERINJE

    Why Mangalorean should not answer this murder?
    The people from all over India including Thippenahalli, Bengaluru, have respect to Mangalore... And we Mangalorean must answer and co-operate with whatever happened...

    DisAgree [6] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Mangaluru: Missing ISKCON worker found dead in river, murder alleged



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