Purple in Sector 1

Buried in the news of the Supernationals and Rotax World Finals is the news that a religious sect run by RC Samanta Roy, owner of the USA International Raceway in Shawano, WI is the subject of a federal investigation alleging threats against as many as 60 Shawano area residents, including public and elected officials.  Roy is no stranger to controversy which includes long-standing disputes with some in the area and local authorities.  According to the AP Roy also goes by the names Rama Behera and Avraham Cohen.  Roy operates the religious sect Samanta Roy Institute for Science and Technology, at one time known as The Disciples of the Lord Jesus and has been involved in instigating several lawsuits against the city in recent years.  The investigation centers around a tip from a former associate that as many as 60 people were listed “to be taken care of” was confirmed by Shawano Police Chief Ed Whealon.  The registered agent for the sect, and related businesses including the kart track, Naomi Isaacson was recently arrested on an unrelated federal bench warrant on contempt of court charges.  One sect member is considered a “person of interest” in the case and responsible for the majority of the list, but Whealon would not identify that person or his or her status within the organization because the investigation is ongoing.

Compiled from various local and national press reports.