Dear Editor,
The man who performed the exorcism on 14-year-old Sangeeta Persaud thinks he did nothing wrong.
First, he did not seek medical help for Sangeeta. That is neglect for someone in his position of authority. Mr Cummings is trying to dodge responsibility by saying that “ungodly” people would not understand his actions. Well, even a godly person who believes in spirits and exorcism can see that the medical care should have come first and any exorcism should have come later, if needed.
Second, Cummings and those who helped him, forced substances down Sangeeta’s throat while she appeared to be suffering a fit. Such a procedure should only be attempted by a medical professional.
Third, there is absolutely no excuse for pounding a child even once on the stomach, much less repeatedly as they allegedly did. That was an assault, no matter what the intention. As a grown man, Cummings, along with his assistants, should have had enough common sense to know you cannot pound a child like that without the possibility of causing grievous harm. Doing it for God is not an excuse under the law.
Yours faithfully,
Imam Baksh