Mangaluru: ISKCON issued a statement to the media, after four days of the death of its volunteer whose body was found in the Netravati river at Adamkudru. Explaining the tragic turn of events assured, everyone that, they would fully co-operate with the probe.

Ravi Kumar (25) from Bengaluru had been with ISKCON for few years, suddenly, went missing and was found dead with his body in decomposed state inside a bag that was floating in Nethravathi river on August 9. The wire of a mobile charger was found tied around his neck and his body tied to a heavy stone that was found inside the bag. Suspecting his son’s death as a case of murder, held ISKCON Mangaluru chief Tarunya Sagar Das of being responsible for it, and a case was registered in Ullal police station. Tarunya Sagar and few other have been questioned , but no arrest have yet been made.

Ravi Kumar was an devoted devotee, of the ISKCON missionary and due to his death, we are extremely saddened, said another devotee of ISKCON Mangaluru. About Ravi Kumar he said, he is an enthusiastic devotee who has rendered valuable services to ISKCON temple and Akshaya Patra in Mangaluru. Ravi was last seen leaving on Thursday, August 6 at about 7 pm, and. we were expecting his return to one of our temples or return to the ashram soon.

The devotee also stated that in the past, there was an instance when he had gone to Vrindavan, on a pilgrimage without informing management. He was advised that it is extremely important for the management and peers to know the whereabouts of devotees who take to travelling. This was stated to him for his own safety and well being. He promised to follow, the advice.

Due to his continued absence, till Saturday, August 8, we were prompted to immediately informed Ravi Kumar’s parents, who came to Mangalore on August 9 morning. But it was unfortunate; that by mid-day on August 9 we received the sad news that his body was found in Netravati river.

We devotees of ISKCON Mangaluru, wish to fully co-operate with the police and in this investigation, are eagerly waiting for post-mortem report and the cause of this unfortunate occurrence. We pray the lord to take care of Ravi Kumar’s soul, and we deeply empathize with the grief of the parents and share their pain, caused due to his irreparable loss. Lord should give them the strength to bear this loss, of their beloved son and be with them in this difficult moments
According to the press statement, a special condolence as per the practice of devotees of ISKCON Mangaluru, was conducted on August 11.