Dear Editor,
Following what the Guyana Police Force has described as an “inconclusive” autopsy, the intervention of the Ethnic Relations Commission 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 organizations has been known to comment on the death of this unfortunate teenager. One wonders whether others 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 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 anyone a sinner, heathen, and demon-possessed and get away with it.
But if you take a fourteen-year-old into 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. 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 a major, and in this present case fatal, consequence not only for members of their own group but for those outside as well. It is for this reason, that religious beliefs, especially when they have the potential to affect others, like any other beliefs, 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.
Religious organizations 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 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.
Yours faithfully,
Swami Aksharananda
