It is clear that the government does not want to have a trial against Osho – US Attorney Charles Turner later admits that they did not have sufficient evidence against him (Press Conference, July 22, 1986).  Instead, they rely on sannyasins’ concern about Osho’s physical wellbeing.

Osho speaks about his mistreatment during the five days he was being dragged in chains through a series of US jails, en route to Portland. And when he finally arrives at Portland jail, there is a bomb scare as he is awaiting release (finally) under bail. All the occupants of the jail are cleared out except for Osho.

Osho’s attorney, Sw Prem Niren, states,  ‘Ultimately the US government’s criminal prosecution of [Osho], its willingness to physically assault him through arrest, his cruel and unnecessary incarceration, the threat of a lengthy trial and prolonged interrogation, and the callous treatment of him during the bomb scare at Portland jail, made it clear to us that the US government would not stop until it had physically destroyed [Osho] by misusing the so-called system of justice which is supposed to protect the innocent. When this became clear, we urged [Osho] to agree to a deal the government offered and to leave the US to avoid being literally hounded to death.’

Osho’s attorneys agree to an Alford Plea on two  immigration charges against him, whereby they maintain his innocence. He is fined $400,000 and deported from America. 

Among others, US Attorney in Portland, Charles Turner, publicly concedes that the government all along was intent on destroying Rajneeshpuram.