Rajneeshees’ Victims to Get Aid

PORTLAND, Ore. —  The state today reached a settlement that will establish a fund of up to $5.1 million to compensate victims of criminal acts by organizations set up by followers of Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.

Oregon Atty. Gen. David B. Frohnmayer said the settlement of the state’s racketeering lawsuit was reached with attorneys for Rajneeshee organizations. The agreement calls for the state to receive up to $750,000 to pay for law enforcement costs in its investigation of criminal acts at the Rajneeshpuram commune. The rest of the fund will compensate victims, including about 700 who were victims of a food poisoning outbreak caused by Rajneeshees in The Dalles.