(VNN) VNN had raised the question of a potential conflict of interest that could arise from Balavanta prabhu's role as head of the "Prabhupada Poison Investigation" and his role as former, current or future legal council for ISKCON:His reply was 11/17/97:
I have not directly represented ISKCON in the time frame mentioned (currently, previous and next 6 months) except as consultant in the Murphy case in Boston which is not related and is now settled. In any event, I see no conflict in an internal investigation such as this and my own complete loyalty to ISKCON which has been demonstrated over the past 27 years.
My investigation is completely independent although I was asked by the GBC to investigate. My insistence on the distribution of the preliminary whisper evidence was a product of my independence. I expect word from the more advanced labs any day. In fact I thought I would have had it by now.
I hope it will turn out to be an audio illusion and I can be merely criticized for pushing the panic button while the society breathes a collective sigh of relief. If not, then the matter is certainly serious. Rest assured that I will communicate the results as they are available.
Your servant,
Balavanta das