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Let there be justice for Sangeeta Persaud

Apr 15, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,
Following what the Guyana Police have described as an “inconclusive” autopsy, the intervention of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) in the sordid affair of the death of Sangeeta Persaud seems to be yet another attempt to cover-up an ugly and dastardly episode that is clamouring for investigation and transparency.
As far as I can tell none of the major religious organisations have been known to comment on the death, which may very well be revealed to be a homicide if a proper investigation is done, of this unfortunate teenager.
One wonders whether others too have skeletons in their cupboards.
It is equally alarming that the Guyana Human Rights Association that is usually very alert when it comes to identifying violations of the rights of Guyanese is so silent in this matter. Is it because that religions, or in this case a particular religion, are beyond examination?
The conclusion that one can come to in this matter is that once religion is invoked our logical faculties become paralyzed.
I can make a racist comment and the ERC can get on my case, but in the name of religion I can call any one a sinner, heathen, and demon-possessed and get away with it. If I hit someone on the road and the person dies I can be charged for murder.
But if you take a 14-year-old in a church and pound her abdomen until blood comes out of her vagina and she dies, all in the name of casting out demons, then this act is excused and covered up. Indeed, it can even be doing God’s work.
It is part of people’s religious beliefs. And, we do not touch religious beliefs, regardless of the consequences they may have for the entire society.
I am not in any way seeking to disparage any group’s religious beliefs. But it is clear that what some people believe has major, and in this present case fatal, consequence for not only for members of their own group but for those outside as well.
It is for this reason, though this and other newspaper may not allow it here, that religious beliefs, especially when they have the potential to affect others, like any other beliefs, such as belief in a devil, should not be allowed to go unchallenged.
One can examine the media reports in this affair to see how the testimonies of the so-called “eye-witnesses” have been escalating in the demonization of this child. From behaving “strangely” to “barking like a dog” and “face becoming like a monkey” the story becomes incrementally more incredulous and silly.
Yes, evil was afoot. But the only evil in this case was those responsible for the death of Sangeeta.
The only evil in this case is those who have initiated an unsavoury media war and cover up.
Religious organisations have kept their distance in this affair. So, I call upon civil society to intervene in this matter. A thorough investigation must be conducted.
I call upon the DPP and the Police Commissioner not to let this matter slip into oblivion. Let there be an exhumation of the body. Let there be an independent autopsy. Let there be justice for Sangeeta Persaud.
Swami Aksharananda

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