Cult leader who forced followers to pull out own teeth and eat faeces jailed
In a rare and harrowing case of cult crime in Singapore, Woo May Hoe, a 54-year-old cult leader, has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison. Woo manipulated around 30 followers into believing she was a deity, subjecting them to extreme physical abuse and defrauding them of over $10 million (£7.8 million).
Over an eight-year period, Woo established a “reign of terror,” convincing her followers to part with their money under the guise of building temples in India. Prosecutors described her methods as brutal, citing instances where followers were forced to eat feces and had their teeth pulled out with pliers as punishment.
One particularly severe incident involved a woman being forced to jump from the second floor of a building, resulting in fractured ankles. In another case, Woo compelled one follower to use pliers to extract another's teeth. She also stabbed people with scissors, beat them with canes and paintbrushes, and forced them to consume human waste. One victim suffered permanent optic nerve damage after being struck and denied medical care, with Woo insisting that "holy water" would suffice.
The abuse began in 2012, when Woo convinced her followers, who believed in the spiritual leader Sri Sakthi Narayani Amma, that she was in direct communication with the gods. She demanded to be called "lord" and told her followers that regular payments were necessary to clear their "bad karma."
Many followers, seeking healing for themselves or their loved ones, adhered to Woo’s demands, believing the money was being used to buy cows or build schools and temples in India. Woo also coerced them into taking out loans and purchasing houses, apartments, and cars for her as acts of worship.
Woo's control extended beyond finances; she micromanaged their lives, demanding reports on their movements and conversations. Some followers were forced to quit their jobs and move in with her, effectively becoming full-time servants. Attempts to leave the group were met with harassment and threats.
The abuse came to light in 2020 when several followers filed police reports against her, leading to her arrest in October of that year. On Wednesday, Woo pleaded guilty to five charges, including cheating and grievous hurt, with 45 other charges considered.
“The accused’s actions have shattered the lives of her followers, leaving them in dire financial circumstances and causing permanent physical disability to some,” prosecutors stated.
Health officials determined that Woo had paranoid schizophrenia at the time of her offenses. However, the court concluded that she was aware of the illegal nature of her actions.
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