Jeffrey E. Dunan added 3 new photos.
* Chaitanya Lila Holt * - killed in GOA last week.
I have just mailed a Registered Letter to the Indian Ambassador in San Francisco (who represents all of California). In order to secure justice for this devotee and to bring the criminals / dacoits in GOA to trial, it is highly recommended that ALL OF US write a similar letter to the Consulate in your location ... wherever you are.
Trust me, they will get the message if you do this. It takes less than an hour and a few dollars. Let's put the heat on this, prabhus. If I can do it, so can you....
His parents & family are no doubt devastated. What if this was your son??
Text of my letter follows (please modify as appropriate) ..
Ambassador Venkatesan Ashok
Consulate of INDIA
540 Arguello Boulevard,
San Francisco, CA 94118
RE: Death of the American Vaishnava, Chaitanya Lila Holt by mob in Goa
Earlier this month, 30 year old Chaitanya Lila Holt, a US military veteran and member of ISKCON was chased, beaten, and murdered by a mob in Goa. Efforts to investigate and resolve the events leading up to his death appear to be stalled due to local sentiment and the desire not to implicate the local residents there. Chaitanya Lila was of African American descent, or “a person of color” and was mistakenly identified as a thief. After being chased for hours he died of asphyxiation face-down in the mud. The officials there simply stated that he died “accidentally”. (per comment issued by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar).
Please be advised that any plans I may have to visit INDIA are on hold indefinitely until this case is properly handled and the criminals responsible have been brought to trial. In the meantime I shall not spend even ONE RUPEE on Indian goods or services in America - or elsewhere - and have advised others to do the same.
As a direct disciple of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder & acharya of ISKCON, and a member of this organization for over 40 years, I am in regular contact with 1,000’s of its members. We are now very concerned for the safety of non-Indian citizens who may travel to or within the country of India.
There can be no possible benefit for ANY delay in resolving the circumstances of Chaitanya Lila’s murder. He was an impeccable Vaishnava with all good qualities. If this matter is neglected, the village where his death occurred will be cursed for centuries until the criminals are punished. This incident happened simply due to the color of his skin. To put this in perspective, upon completing his law studies in England, Mahatma Gandhi was physically thrown off a train by the conductor in South Africa only because of his color. Fortunately for you, and all the rest of India, Gandhi prevailed - in spite of this brutal treatment.
For additional details: contact Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Umesh Gaonkar.
SIGNED THIS _____DAY of _____________, 2016, at Los Angeles City and County, California
_____________________________________
Sui Juris Vasanta dasa, ACBSP, Authorized Representative – all rights reserved
Without Prejudice, UCC 1-207 (1-308)
Cc: legal counsel
Replies