Tuesday August 29, 10:17 PM
Priests, helpers at Novena Church sued over alleged exorcism
SINGAPORE : The Novena Church, two priests and seven helpers are
being sued for an alleged act of exorcism, in an incident believed
to have taken place two years ago.
Fifty-year old Amutha Valli Krishnan, an athlete in the 1980s,
claimed that attempts to exorcise her later led to chronic
post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
A writ of summons was served last Thursday.
In the writ, Amutha Valli claimed that on 10 August 2004, she went
to Novena Church to pray with her son, daughter and a close
friend.
But she fainted.
She is alleging that two priests from the church, Father Simon Tan
and Father Jacob Ong, claimed she had been possessed by a spirit,
and then performed an act of exorcism, helped by seven
others.
The ritual is said to have lasted two-and-a-half hours, during
which time Amutha claimed she had resisted furiously.
She claimed she was strangled, pinned down and verbally
abused.
When contacted, Father Tan claimed Amutha Valli did not faint in
church.
In fact, he said, she had walked in asking for help, saying she was
possessed.
Father Tan also denied any act of exorcism.
He said he, Father Ong and another seven helpers only performed
prayers over her.
Amutha Valli's claims against the defendants include trespass,
assault, false imprisonment and negligence.
She is also asking for damages for loss of income and
injuries.
Her husband, Suppiah Jeyabal, said, "Before, she was an athlete and
... a very tough person, you know, who (liked) to exercise; she
must run, exercise. She also used to coach children - a very tough
and active person. But now she's more like a vegetable."
A medical report by Changi General Hospital psychiatrist states
Amutha Valli's symptoms are a direct result of the traumatic
incident she experienced at the church.
It says currently her symptoms are persistent, severe and extremely
disabling.
According to the report, this has affected her ability to cope with
self-care, demands at home and relationships with family.
The doctor added she would require long-term treatment and
follow-up, and is unlikely to fully recover from her
symptoms.
Amutha Valli's lawyer said it is still too early to comment, but he
believed this is the first such case in Singapore.
The lawyer for the defendants says his clients deny liability and
will file their defence by September 16.
The civil suit is estimated to cost at least a million dollars. -
CNA /ct 