In response to a recent viral video in which BJP MP Maneka Gandhi made the claim that the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) engages in the sale of cows to butchers for slaughter, ISKCON has taken legal action by serving a defamation notice worth Rs 100 crore to Gandhi. ISKCON vehemently refutes these allegations, deeming them as entirely baseless, and expressed profound distress over her statements.
Radharaman Das, the Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata, conveyed the organization's stance, stating, "Today we have sent a Rs 100 crore defamation notice to Maneka Gandhi for leveling completely unfounded allegations against ISKCON. The worldwide community of ISKCON devotees, supporters, and well-wishers are deeply pained by these defamatory, slanderous, and malicious accusations. We will not leave any stone unturned in our pursuit of justice against the fallacious propaganda against ISKCON."
Gandhi's assertions were centered on her belief that ISKCON is the "biggest cheat in the country" and accused the organization of operating cowsheds (gaushalas) and then selling the cows to butchers. She also alleged that ISKCON has benefited significantly from the government, particularly in terms of acquiring extensive land holdings.
Furthermore, Gandhi claimed to have visited an ISKCON Gaushala in Andhra Pradesh and asserted that she did not find a single cow in good health, insinuating that all the cows had been sold. These allegations, however, have been categorically refuted by ISKCON, which characterized them as unsubstantiated and false.
