(CHAKRA) - A letter on VNN entitled "A Known Criminal Supplied 'Makaradhvaja'" accuses the GBC of negligence for authorizing the purchase of a medicine known as makaradhvaja for Srila Prabhupada from a known criminal.

Kaviraj Das, the author of the letter, says, "Candra Swami is a known criminal, and Adikesava ex Swami got the 'Makaradhvaja' from him....

"The GBC wanted to water down the whole thing, but here we see strong negligence on their part."

Kaviraja's letter, however, leaves out some important facts. CHAKRA presents the missing details, as told by witnesses:

Srila Prabhupada dreamed of a kaviraja preparing makaradhvaja and later told the devotees to find a kaviraja who could prepare it so he could take some. The devotees searched Vrindavana but could not find anyone suitable, so Srila Prabhupada suggested that someone go to Delhi. On October 24, the GBC sent Adi Kesava to Delhi, where he found a kaviraja preparing makaradhvaja.

At the time, this kaviraja was not known to be a criminal. In fact, he had a reputation for impeccable morality and was even treating Morarji Desai, then prime minister of India. The devotees told Srila Prabhupada where the makaradhvaja had come from. Srila Prabhupada took some but could tell that the effects were not desirable, so he discontinued it.

Srila Prabhupada knew where the medicine had come from, and he was familiar with ayurvedic medicine, as he had used it many times and had previously been a pharmacist.

The facts do not indicate any negligence on the part of Srila Prabhupada's disciples.

The letter then discusses the sale of the New York temple by Adi Kesava. This is irrelevant to the question of poisoning. If VNN believes there was any wrongdoing in the sale of the temple, they are free to investigate the matter.

Click here for information about the sale of the New York Temple by Adi Kesava.