What Led to the Arrest of a Book Supplier in the ISKCON Kolkata Cheating Case?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, a book supplier connected to ISKCON Kolkata has been arrested six years after a staggering Rs 2 crore fraud was uncovered. This incident raises questions about accountability and oversight within religious organizations. Read on to discover how the investigation unfolded and the implications for ISKCON.
Key Takeaways
- Devraj Bhattacharya was arrested for allegedly defrauding ISKCON of Rs 2 crore.
- The case highlights the importance of financial oversight in religious organizations.
- Bhattacharya had been evading arrest for several years.
- The internal audit led to the discovery of the fraud in 2019.
- ISKCON's reputation and trust are at stake following this incident.
Kolkata, Nov 10 (NationPress) The Kolkata Police apprehended a book supplier on Monday in relation to a deceitful scheme involving Rs 2 crore linked to the procurement of religious texts for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) from around six years ago, officials disclosed.
A local court subsequently placed him in nine days of police custody until November 18.
According to police sources, the suspect, named Devraj Bhattacharya, allegedly misappropriated a significant sum by supplying fewer books than what was officially requested by ISKCON Kolkata, and at the same time, submitted forged invoices for payment.
This arrest follows the initial discovery of the alleged financial misconduct during an internal audit conducted by the organization six years back.
“The accused, responsible for the supply chain, failed to deliver the complete order of books but managed to acquire around Rs 2 crore from ISKCON by submitting counterfeit invoices,” revealed a senior police official involved in the inquiry.
The cheating incident was reported at the Shakespeare Sarani police station in 2019 after an audit identified the inconsistencies, which prompted a formal complaint against Bhattacharya and an accomplice.
Shortly after ISKCON filed the police report, the suspect went into hiding, leading to a manhunt initiated by law enforcement.
Bhattacharya had reportedly evaded capture by frequently changing locations, resulting in a court issuing an arrest warrant for him.
Police apprehended Bhattacharya in the Girish Park area on Saturday night after receiving information regarding his return to the city this week, as per police sources.
Investigators are optimistic that Bhattacharya's custodial interrogation will facilitate the identification and arrest of other parties involved in the operation.
ISKCON, widely recognized as the Hare Krishna Movement, is a Hindu religious organization that adheres to the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, emphasizing devotion to Lord Krishna as the Supreme Being. Its spiritual and administrative headquarters are located in Mayapur, situated in the Nadia district of West Bengal.
Point of View
My perspective remains aligned with the integrity of our reporting. The ISKCON cheating case serves as a pivotal reminder of the necessity for stringent checks and accountability within organizations, particularly those with significant community influence. It is essential to ensure that such incidents are addressed thoroughly to maintain trust and transparency.
NationPress
10/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the allegations against the book supplier?
The book supplier, Devraj Bhattacharya, is accused of defrauding ISKCON Kolkata by delivering fewer books than ordered and submitting fake invoices, leading to a loss of Rs 2 crore.
How did the police catch the suspect?
Bhattacharya was arrested in Girish Park after police received a tip about his return to Kolkata, following a long period of evasion.
What actions were taken after the fraud was discovered?
An internal audit prompted ISKCON to report the discrepancies to the police in 2019, which led to a formal complaint against Bhattacharya and an associate.
What is ISKCON?
ISKCON, also known as the Hare Krishna Movement, is a Hindu religious organization that promotes the devotion to Lord Krishna and follows the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.
What are the implications of this case for ISKCON?
This incident underscores the need for rigorous financial oversight and accountability in religious organizations to maintain their integrity and trust within the community.
