THE Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) has expressed its profound concern over the numerous reported incidents of child abuse and the unfortunate passing of Sangeeta Persaud, the recent alleged exorcism victim.

Speaking at a press conference in Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, Kingston, Georgetown, a member, Ms. Devina Deodat said the IAC is also concerned, especially over molestation of young girls and the circumstances of Persaud’s death that may still be under investigation.

The 14-year-old girl, of Lot 26 Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara, died from unnatural causes at West Demerara Regional Hospital, to where she was rushed  by members of the Christ Ambassador Church, who had, allegedly, tried earlier to expel evil spirits from her body.

Deodat said many Guyanese have also remarked on the tragedy and the IAC urges the authorities to be thorough in their probe, so that those responsible can face the brunt of the law.

She said the IAC’s worry is not confined to young Indian girls but to all victims who fall prey to infidelities.

Executive Member, Mr. Neaz Subhan said, over the years,  the IAC has been doing a lot of social work in various areas and it is not the first time, the organisation is commenting on such issues.

“Unfortunately, there seems to be a lot of these issues now coming to the fore and it gives the impression that there is an increase,” he observed.
Subhan said the IAC is working, quietly, to see what it can do to help make a contribution, to how such things can be addressed.

He suggested that people need to be educated and empowered in some way, so they can be involved in urging the authorities towards thoroughness in the probing of the Persaud death and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Meanwhile, in statement Thursday, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) said it wishes to make clear its positions and intervention into the Persaud incident.

It said the commission is appalled at the letters and other publications in the media about its involvement in the issue and the efforts of some persons to cause division along ethnic and religious lines.