The Samanta Roy Institute of Science and Technology in Shawano, Wisconson has filed for bankruptcy protection in Delaware for the second time.
The Dr. R.C. Samanta Roy Institute of Science and Technology filed a petition this week estimating assets of up to $10 million and liabilities of up to $50 million.
SIST’s 2009 bankruptcy case was dismissed by a judge who cited numerous offenses, including mismanagement of the estate and failure to file tax returns.
Former members have described the organization, known as SIST, as a religious cult, saying founder Avraham Cohen wields absolute authority over his followers.
Cohen, a native of India, changed his name in 2007 from R.C. Samanta Roy and is also known as Rama Behera.
The secretive group has clashed repeatedly with local officials. It was the subject of an FBI investigation of alleged hit list naming 60 people. No charges were filed regarding that issue.
SIST was once known as the ‘Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.’
Disenchanted followers of Samanta Roy explain why they left
Court cases, lawsuits have kept religious group in the public eye