Go for sex education in schools, say parents
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: While the rest of the country may have its knickers in a twist about sex education in schools, Goan parents want the birds and the bees to be part of the syllabus.
A report by 72 government high schools submitted to the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) showed that a majority of parents want sex education to be part of the curriculum.
“Everywhere, even in the villages, parents want their children to have sex education,” said state resource person for the School Adolescent Education Programme (SAEP), Maria de Fatima. “Parents said they are uncomfortable talking about sex to their children and are happy for the teachers to do the job.”
Before the parents were polled, the authorities conducted an advocacy programme for Parent-Teachers’ Associations in March this year to help them understand why sex education was important. SAEP was introduced in 2005 for standards VIII to XII in Goa, in collaboration with the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO). The programme’s objective is to empower adolescents to protect themselves from HIV infection, avoid risky situations, shun drug abuse and practise responsible behaviour. “Parents accepted that it is the need of the hour as sexual behaviour of children has changed,” said Maria de Fatima. Goa has gone ahead with the SAEP despite concerns voiced from many quarters. The department of school education and literacy, HRD ministry in New Delhi and the Students Islamic Organisation of India, Goa, were among those who had reservations. “The response to sex education in schools is positive and parents agree that there is a need for adolescent education,” said SCERT director G P Bhat. “We have faced very little opposition from parents.”
07 May 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIM&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOI&GZ=T&
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
TOI Leads India at Goa ad fest
TOI Leads India at Goa ad fest
Preetu Nair and Andrew Periera I TNN
Cavelossim Beach (Goa): The Times of India’s Lead India campaign seeking tomorrow’s leaders today, which became a nationwide hit, was the toast of the evening at the 41st Abby awards function here on Sunday.
At a spiffy show attended by the cream of India’s advertising world, Lead India won the prestigious Grand Prix for JWT India as the integrated campaign of the year. The Abby awards—notably the five Grands Prix, which were the premier awards at the festival hosted at the three-day GoaFest 2008—recognize excellence in creativity and celebrate Indian advertising. The award ceremony saw two ad bodies (the Advertising Agencies Association of India, or AAAI, and Ad Club) come together, with the creative big guns competing for medals.
The creative mind behind the Lead India ad campaign, JWT chief creative officer Agnello Dias, said, “It’s a great feeling to be recognized. Our team really worked hard on it.’’ Although elated, he put on a modest face. “Honestly, I didn’t think of this. I even thought that we would get into trouble as we were exposing politicians and loopholes and corruption in the system. But the support we got was amazing.’’
Lead India was the only gold winner in the integrated campaign category. It also won a bronze medal each in the print, film and direct categories.
The other big winner of the evening was Leo Burnett India, which won two Grands Prix in the Out-Of-Home: Household Products and Maintenance category as well as in Print Single: Household Products and Maintenance.
While Mudra Communications won the Grand Prix in the Radio: Household Products and Maintenance category, Nirvana Films won the Grand Prix for Film Craft: Direction. O&M bags 58 Abbys at Goafest
Cavelossim Beach (South Goa): The hotshot Abby awards were given in nine categories—craft, creative, direct, print, integrated advertising, interactive digital advertising, radio single, film single and ambient media. There were over 3,800 entries. O&M hit big time at the awards function on Sunday, winning 58 awards, followed by Leo Burnett India with 37 awards. JWT India won 30 awards. Well-known names on the jury included Piyush Pandey, executive chairman & national creative director, India and South Asia O&M; Agnello Dias, chief creative director, JWT; Ravi Deshpande, chief creative officer, Contract Advertising; Abhinay Deo of Ramesh Deo Productions; Josy Paul; K V Shridhar, NCD, Leo Burnett; Bobby Pawar, NCD, Mudra, and Ramesh Iyengar, MD, Select Direct.
2008 Apr 07 Times Of India Mumbai
Preetu Nair and Andrew Periera I TNN
Cavelossim Beach (Goa): The Times of India’s Lead India campaign seeking tomorrow’s leaders today, which became a nationwide hit, was the toast of the evening at the 41st Abby awards function here on Sunday.
At a spiffy show attended by the cream of India’s advertising world, Lead India won the prestigious Grand Prix for JWT India as the integrated campaign of the year. The Abby awards—notably the five Grands Prix, which were the premier awards at the festival hosted at the three-day GoaFest 2008—recognize excellence in creativity and celebrate Indian advertising. The award ceremony saw two ad bodies (the Advertising Agencies Association of India, or AAAI, and Ad Club) come together, with the creative big guns competing for medals.
The creative mind behind the Lead India ad campaign, JWT chief creative officer Agnello Dias, said, “It’s a great feeling to be recognized. Our team really worked hard on it.’’ Although elated, he put on a modest face. “Honestly, I didn’t think of this. I even thought that we would get into trouble as we were exposing politicians and loopholes and corruption in the system. But the support we got was amazing.’’
Lead India was the only gold winner in the integrated campaign category. It also won a bronze medal each in the print, film and direct categories.
The other big winner of the evening was Leo Burnett India, which won two Grands Prix in the Out-Of-Home: Household Products and Maintenance category as well as in Print Single: Household Products and Maintenance.
While Mudra Communications won the Grand Prix in the Radio: Household Products and Maintenance category, Nirvana Films won the Grand Prix for Film Craft: Direction. O&M bags 58 Abbys at Goafest
Cavelossim Beach (South Goa): The hotshot Abby awards were given in nine categories—craft, creative, direct, print, integrated advertising, interactive digital advertising, radio single, film single and ambient media. There were over 3,800 entries. O&M hit big time at the awards function on Sunday, winning 58 awards, followed by Leo Burnett India with 37 awards. JWT India won 30 awards. Well-known names on the jury included Piyush Pandey, executive chairman & national creative director, India and South Asia O&M; Agnello Dias, chief creative director, JWT; Ravi Deshpande, chief creative officer, Contract Advertising; Abhinay Deo of Ramesh Deo Productions; Josy Paul; K V Shridhar, NCD, Leo Burnett; Bobby Pawar, NCD, Mudra, and Ramesh Iyengar, MD, Select Direct.
2008 Apr 07 Times Of India Mumbai
2nd autopsy says Brit was murdered in Goa
2nd autopsy says Brit was murdered in Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Four persons were detained in Goa late on Saturday after a second autopsy on the body of British teenager Scarlette Eden Keeling confirmed that the 15-year-old was murdered and did not die of drowning as police had claimed.
A panel of three doctors added that though they could not confirm rape, there were strong indications of sexual violence because of injuries in the vagina. The report, which will add to the murkiness of Goa’s tourism sector, urged the sub-divisional magistrate in charge of the case to investigate Scarlette’s death as a homicide. However, the findings of the second autopsy, which came after the girl’s mother, Fiona MacKeown, mounted pressure by refusing to take Scarlette’s body from the government morgue, were not being released to the family. She is determined to file a complaint against the police for cover-up.
Two of the four detained in the case are alleged drug dealers and another is the owner of a cafe, adding fuel to the theories that Scarlette was the victim of a sex and drug ring. Ever since her barely-clad body was recovered from Anjuna beach, her mother has been alleging that multiple bruises on the corpse clearly pointed to rape and murder. But the police ignored her, saying the first autopsy had established death due to drowning. Goa minister hits out at cops
Panaji: The confirmation that Briton Scarlette Keeling was murdered has exposed the dark underbelly of Goa’s otherwise picture-postcard touristy life. According to police statistics, of the 25 people held on drug charges in ’06, 15 were foreigners. The number has risen since ’04, when the first numbers are logged.
Even as Scarlette’s second autopsy report was presented to a magistrate, the cops held on to the drowning story. “We are conducting the second autopsy because we’re not satisfied with the first,’’ IGP Kishan Kumar said. Worried that bad publicity was hurting the tourism cash cow, Goa tourism minister Francisco X Pacheco demanded strong action against Anjuna police station in charge Nerlon Albuquerque and doctors who had conducted the first autopsy. He said he had apprehended the dubious role of police as it was the same officer and doctors who were involved in the case of an autopsy done on a Goan seaman, Floriono Diniz, who was said to have ended his life. But murder was established after 97 injuries were found on his body.
Doctors say Scarlette Keeling was sexually assaulted as well
2008 Mar 09 Times Of India Mumbai
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Four persons were detained in Goa late on Saturday after a second autopsy on the body of British teenager Scarlette Eden Keeling confirmed that the 15-year-old was murdered and did not die of drowning as police had claimed.
A panel of three doctors added that though they could not confirm rape, there were strong indications of sexual violence because of injuries in the vagina. The report, which will add to the murkiness of Goa’s tourism sector, urged the sub-divisional magistrate in charge of the case to investigate Scarlette’s death as a homicide. However, the findings of the second autopsy, which came after the girl’s mother, Fiona MacKeown, mounted pressure by refusing to take Scarlette’s body from the government morgue, were not being released to the family. She is determined to file a complaint against the police for cover-up.
Two of the four detained in the case are alleged drug dealers and another is the owner of a cafe, adding fuel to the theories that Scarlette was the victim of a sex and drug ring. Ever since her barely-clad body was recovered from Anjuna beach, her mother has been alleging that multiple bruises on the corpse clearly pointed to rape and murder. But the police ignored her, saying the first autopsy had established death due to drowning. Goa minister hits out at cops
Panaji: The confirmation that Briton Scarlette Keeling was murdered has exposed the dark underbelly of Goa’s otherwise picture-postcard touristy life. According to police statistics, of the 25 people held on drug charges in ’06, 15 were foreigners. The number has risen since ’04, when the first numbers are logged.
Even as Scarlette’s second autopsy report was presented to a magistrate, the cops held on to the drowning story. “We are conducting the second autopsy because we’re not satisfied with the first,’’ IGP Kishan Kumar said. Worried that bad publicity was hurting the tourism cash cow, Goa tourism minister Francisco X Pacheco demanded strong action against Anjuna police station in charge Nerlon Albuquerque and doctors who had conducted the first autopsy. He said he had apprehended the dubious role of police as it was the same officer and doctors who were involved in the case of an autopsy done on a Goan seaman, Floriono Diniz, who was said to have ended his life. But murder was established after 97 injuries were found on his body.
Doctors say Scarlette Keeling was sexually assaulted as well
2008 Mar 09 Times Of India Mumbai
Visitant turns Goa morgue resident
Visitant turns Goa morgue resident
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Remember Steven Speilberg’s The Terminal? And Viktor Navorski’s predicament when he realises he’s been stranded in NYC’s JFK airport with a passport from nowhere as his homeland in Eastern Europe has erupted in a fiery coup while he was in the air en route to America?
Kirlov Sergiy’s fate is somewhat similar. Born in the erstwhile USSR, he identified himself as a Russian when he arrived in Goa in the summer of 2006. The 60-year-old stayed at Arambol, Pernem, for a few months before he committed suicide on August 8, 2006. That’s when the trouble began. With his passport missing, the police relied on Sergiy’s notebook and ‘C’ form (which is filled up while renting a room) to establish his nationality and subsequently approached the Russian authorities. But the Russians refused to have anything to do with the matter, saying Sergiy was not one of their citizens. Only recently, the police stumbled upon his passport and realised that Sergiy was from Odeca in Ukraine. Although the victim liked to call himself Russian, that country had stopped recognising his nationality after Ukraine attained independence in 1991.
“We have established his identity and are awaiting intimation from the home department for body disposal,” said North Goa SP Bosco George. Though his file was moved in December ’07, Sergyi’s body remains lodged at GMC’s crowded morgue.
Till the authorities take a call on the matter, the visitor will remain a resident of the GMC morgue.
2008 May 13 Times Of India Mumbai
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Remember Steven Speilberg’s The Terminal? And Viktor Navorski’s predicament when he realises he’s been stranded in NYC’s JFK airport with a passport from nowhere as his homeland in Eastern Europe has erupted in a fiery coup while he was in the air en route to America?
Kirlov Sergiy’s fate is somewhat similar. Born in the erstwhile USSR, he identified himself as a Russian when he arrived in Goa in the summer of 2006. The 60-year-old stayed at Arambol, Pernem, for a few months before he committed suicide on August 8, 2006. That’s when the trouble began. With his passport missing, the police relied on Sergiy’s notebook and ‘C’ form (which is filled up while renting a room) to establish his nationality and subsequently approached the Russian authorities. But the Russians refused to have anything to do with the matter, saying Sergiy was not one of their citizens. Only recently, the police stumbled upon his passport and realised that Sergiy was from Odeca in Ukraine. Although the victim liked to call himself Russian, that country had stopped recognising his nationality after Ukraine attained independence in 1991.
“We have established his identity and are awaiting intimation from the home department for body disposal,” said North Goa SP Bosco George. Though his file was moved in December ’07, Sergyi’s body remains lodged at GMC’s crowded morgue.
Till the authorities take a call on the matter, the visitor will remain a resident of the GMC morgue.
2008 May 13 Times Of India Mumbai
‘Scarlett’s vital organs missing’
‘Scarlett’s vital organs missing’
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Shocked with the revelations made in the UK autopsy report that vital organs from British teenager Scarlett Keeling’s body are missing, the aggrieved mother has decided to return to India to pursue her fight for justice.
The forensic autopsy conducted by a doctor of the Coroners Court in Devon, UK, revealed that Scarlett’s kidneys, stomach and uterus were missing. Scarlett was found dead on Goa’s Anjuna beach on February 18. Two autopsies were conducted on the body in Goa, the second indicating that the case should be treated as homicide. “I have been informed that the stomach, both the kidneys and the uterus are missing. The doctors here have taken samples from Scarlett’s femur bone to determine how she died,’’ said her mother, Fiona MacKeown, over the telephone from Devon.
“I presume it will be at least a month before we are able to give Scarlett a decent burial. Therefore, I have decided to return to India within a week. I haven’t given up,” said Fiona. However, there is no mention of missing parts in the autopsy reports submitted by the doctors at Goa Medical College.
Scarlett’s mom will fly to India in a week to fight the case
2008 Apr 14 Times Of India Mumbai
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Shocked with the revelations made in the UK autopsy report that vital organs from British teenager Scarlett Keeling’s body are missing, the aggrieved mother has decided to return to India to pursue her fight for justice.
The forensic autopsy conducted by a doctor of the Coroners Court in Devon, UK, revealed that Scarlett’s kidneys, stomach and uterus were missing. Scarlett was found dead on Goa’s Anjuna beach on February 18. Two autopsies were conducted on the body in Goa, the second indicating that the case should be treated as homicide. “I have been informed that the stomach, both the kidneys and the uterus are missing. The doctors here have taken samples from Scarlett’s femur bone to determine how she died,’’ said her mother, Fiona MacKeown, over the telephone from Devon.
“I presume it will be at least a month before we are able to give Scarlett a decent burial. Therefore, I have decided to return to India within a week. I haven’t given up,” said Fiona. However, there is no mention of missing parts in the autopsy reports submitted by the doctors at Goa Medical College.
Scarlett’s mom will fly to India in a week to fight the case
2008 Apr 14 Times Of India Mumbai
Goan youth goes missing at sea
Goan youth goes missing at sea
Preetu Nair | TNN
Benaulim (South Goa): For a fortnight now, ever since their son went missing, the D’Silva family has been swinging between hope and despair. Their 25-year-old son Joaquim, a kitchen hand on an Italian ship, was last seen on March 22. The ship was headed to Porto Lemon, Costa Rica.
“We have no clue whether he is dead or alive. We only know that his cabin mate last saw him around 11:45 pm on March 22,’’ said Joaquim’s father Caetano, a fisherman. The family alleges that maritime authorities have made no effort to trace Joaquim. “It is obvious from the captain’s report that no effort has been made to investigate the matter. The report looks like an attempt to conceal facts,’’ said Caetano.
Joaquim finally got a job after waiting for two years and paying an agent Rs 2.2 lakh. The athletic graduate joined MSC Lirica, owned by the Mediterranean Shipping Company, Italy, on January 29. When he last called his family on March 19, Joaquim sounded happy, said his father. Two days later, he sent an e-mail to his girlfriend. He had promised to call his family on Easter (March 23).
The family has lodged a complaint with the Colva police and also written to Vice-Admiral John De Silva, chairman of Overseas Employment Agency of Goa. Confirming that a crew member of an Italian ship had gone missing, officials from recruiting agency Imperial Ocean Management Inc, Margao, said, “The captain has informed the coast guard and maritime authorities in Costa Rica.”
2008 Apr 13 Times Of India Mumbai
Preetu Nair | TNN
Benaulim (South Goa): For a fortnight now, ever since their son went missing, the D’Silva family has been swinging between hope and despair. Their 25-year-old son Joaquim, a kitchen hand on an Italian ship, was last seen on March 22. The ship was headed to Porto Lemon, Costa Rica.
“We have no clue whether he is dead or alive. We only know that his cabin mate last saw him around 11:45 pm on March 22,’’ said Joaquim’s father Caetano, a fisherman. The family alleges that maritime authorities have made no effort to trace Joaquim. “It is obvious from the captain’s report that no effort has been made to investigate the matter. The report looks like an attempt to conceal facts,’’ said Caetano.
Joaquim finally got a job after waiting for two years and paying an agent Rs 2.2 lakh. The athletic graduate joined MSC Lirica, owned by the Mediterranean Shipping Company, Italy, on January 29. When he last called his family on March 19, Joaquim sounded happy, said his father. Two days later, he sent an e-mail to his girlfriend. He had promised to call his family on Easter (March 23).
The family has lodged a complaint with the Colva police and also written to Vice-Admiral John De Silva, chairman of Overseas Employment Agency of Goa. Confirming that a crew member of an Italian ship had gone missing, officials from recruiting agency Imperial Ocean Management Inc, Margao, said, “The captain has informed the coast guard and maritime authorities in Costa Rica.”
2008 Apr 13 Times Of India Mumbai
Goa cop probing Scarlett death case gets the sack
Goa cop probing Scarlett death case gets the sack
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa police, after facing a lot of flak for their shoddy investigation into the rape-murder of British teenager Scarlett Keeling, have finally got their act together. The police have dismissed the officer-in-charge of Anjuna police station, PSI Nerlon Albuquerque.
IGP Kishan Kumar said Nerlon had been dismissed in public interest on Thursday night for allegedly sabotaging the investigations. PSI Nerlon was in charge of the Anjuna police station when Scarlett’s half-naked body was found on Anjuna beach.
It is reliably learnt that the IGP, in his dismissal order, has clearly mentioned that if a police officer can so desperately put the entire investigation on the wrong track then there is every chance that he will interfere in the future proceedings of the case as well as in the departmental inquiry.Nerlon was placed under suspension with immediate effect on March 13, 2008 and a preliminary inquiry was ordered by the IGP into the lapses committed by him.The inquiry report revealed that he had adopted a callous attitude and had not acted despite being informed of the incident. He is said to have tried to hide facts and hush up the case, besides suppressing important clues and shielding the culprits.
The report observed that it was not just a case of negligence or ignorance but a case wherein a police officer had deliberately committed lapses to sabotage an investigation. “All lapses are of very serious nature and PSI Nerlon put the entire investigation on the wrong track by not examining the eyewitnesses, not searching for clues at the incident spot and not picking up any clue from the spot,’’ a senior police official said.
The preliminary report said though the witness and the accused—Placido Carvalho and Samson D’Souza—had been present in the area and brought to the police station, no action was taken. It added that Nerlon didn’t register the offence despite complaints from Scarlett’s mother, clinching evidence in the form of Samson’s orange-coloured slippers near Scarlett’s body and the presence of the accused persons and witnesses revealing the chain of events leading to the crime.
2008 Apr 12 Times Of India Mumbai
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa police, after facing a lot of flak for their shoddy investigation into the rape-murder of British teenager Scarlett Keeling, have finally got their act together. The police have dismissed the officer-in-charge of Anjuna police station, PSI Nerlon Albuquerque.
IGP Kishan Kumar said Nerlon had been dismissed in public interest on Thursday night for allegedly sabotaging the investigations. PSI Nerlon was in charge of the Anjuna police station when Scarlett’s half-naked body was found on Anjuna beach.
It is reliably learnt that the IGP, in his dismissal order, has clearly mentioned that if a police officer can so desperately put the entire investigation on the wrong track then there is every chance that he will interfere in the future proceedings of the case as well as in the departmental inquiry.Nerlon was placed under suspension with immediate effect on March 13, 2008 and a preliminary inquiry was ordered by the IGP into the lapses committed by him.The inquiry report revealed that he had adopted a callous attitude and had not acted despite being informed of the incident. He is said to have tried to hide facts and hush up the case, besides suppressing important clues and shielding the culprits.
The report observed that it was not just a case of negligence or ignorance but a case wherein a police officer had deliberately committed lapses to sabotage an investigation. “All lapses are of very serious nature and PSI Nerlon put the entire investigation on the wrong track by not examining the eyewitnesses, not searching for clues at the incident spot and not picking up any clue from the spot,’’ a senior police official said.
The preliminary report said though the witness and the accused—Placido Carvalho and Samson D’Souza—had been present in the area and brought to the police station, no action was taken. It added that Nerlon didn’t register the offence despite complaints from Scarlett’s mother, clinching evidence in the form of Samson’s orange-coloured slippers near Scarlett’s body and the presence of the accused persons and witnesses revealing the chain of events leading to the crime.
2008 Apr 12 Times Of India Mumbai
Scarlett case: NCW slams Goa police
Scarlett case: NCW slams Goa police
Cops Accused Of Misleading The Probe, Tampering With And Destroying Evidence
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: In a major embarrassment to the Digambar Kamat-led Goa government, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has said the Goa cops’ investigations into the rape and murder of Scarlett Keeling are “completely misleading’’.
“From the beginning, the police have destroyed evidence. They have spoiled the case and there are big lapses in the investigation. The police officers we met have accepted that there are lapses,’’ said commission member Nirmala Venkatesh in Panaji on Sunday.
After meeting Goa IGP Kishan Kumar, North Goa SP Bosco George and investigating officer Braz Menezes, the two-member NCW team said it would write to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and home minister Shivraj Patil to keep a watch on the Goa police’s probe.
The NCW members suspected foul play by cops as an important piece of evidence—Lui Cafe, a temporary shack where Scarlett spent her last moments—had been removed.
“It is shocking that the most important evidence has been destroyed. The cops should have safeguarded it for the sake of the investigation. This shows that the police want to destroy evidence and destroy the case purposefully, maybe to serve some vested interests,’’ said Venkatesh. The NCW members also questioned the authenticity of the viscera report from the forensic laboratory at Kalina in Mumbai. “The viscera was sent for examination by the Goa cops after a month. Prima facie, it seems that it has been tampered with,’’ said another NCW member Sweety Sood.
After going through Scarlett’s photographs taken soon after her body was found on Anjuna beach in the morning of February 18, Venkatesh said: “After going through the photographs, we have come to the conclusion that a brutal crime was committed by more than three men. While one man probably injected morphine into her back, another tried to silence her, the third held her and the fourth must have raped her and then drowned her.’’ The members, however, said they would discuss the matter with forensic experts. “The Goa police want to close the case, but we will never allow that to happen,’’ Venkatesh said.
Meanwhile, Scarlett’s mother Fiona said on Sunday that she will seek the help of Britain’s Scotland Yard in probing the case once she returns to the UK with her daughter’s body.
“I will be asking for the Scotland Yard’s help in probing the case,” said Fiona on the eve of her departure to London.
2008 Mar 31 Times Of India Mumbai
Cops Accused Of Misleading The Probe, Tampering With And Destroying Evidence
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: In a major embarrassment to the Digambar Kamat-led Goa government, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has said the Goa cops’ investigations into the rape and murder of Scarlett Keeling are “completely misleading’’.
“From the beginning, the police have destroyed evidence. They have spoiled the case and there are big lapses in the investigation. The police officers we met have accepted that there are lapses,’’ said commission member Nirmala Venkatesh in Panaji on Sunday.
After meeting Goa IGP Kishan Kumar, North Goa SP Bosco George and investigating officer Braz Menezes, the two-member NCW team said it would write to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and home minister Shivraj Patil to keep a watch on the Goa police’s probe.
The NCW members suspected foul play by cops as an important piece of evidence—Lui Cafe, a temporary shack where Scarlett spent her last moments—had been removed.
“It is shocking that the most important evidence has been destroyed. The cops should have safeguarded it for the sake of the investigation. This shows that the police want to destroy evidence and destroy the case purposefully, maybe to serve some vested interests,’’ said Venkatesh. The NCW members also questioned the authenticity of the viscera report from the forensic laboratory at Kalina in Mumbai. “The viscera was sent for examination by the Goa cops after a month. Prima facie, it seems that it has been tampered with,’’ said another NCW member Sweety Sood.
After going through Scarlett’s photographs taken soon after her body was found on Anjuna beach in the morning of February 18, Venkatesh said: “After going through the photographs, we have come to the conclusion that a brutal crime was committed by more than three men. While one man probably injected morphine into her back, another tried to silence her, the third held her and the fourth must have raped her and then drowned her.’’ The members, however, said they would discuss the matter with forensic experts. “The Goa police want to close the case, but we will never allow that to happen,’’ Venkatesh said.
Meanwhile, Scarlett’s mother Fiona said on Sunday that she will seek the help of Britain’s Scotland Yard in probing the case once she returns to the UK with her daughter’s body.
“I will be asking for the Scotland Yard’s help in probing the case,” said Fiona on the eve of her departure to London.
2008 Mar 31 Times Of India Mumbai
Now, justice will be done: Fiona
Now, justice will be done: Fiona
Scarlett Mum Won’t Be Charged With Neglect, Rests Easy
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Fiona MacKeown appears relaxed and even smiles as she talks about her teenage daughter and the impending journey back home. The uncertainty and distraught that was writ large on her face for the past few weeks has now been replaced with a sense of justice and self-confidence.
“In a day or two, I will take my daughter back home to perform the last rites. I hope to be with my children during the weekend,” said Fiona.
Fiona is hopeful she will be with Scarlett in their last few moments together. The 15-year-old Briton was found dead under mysterious circumstances on Anjuna beach on February 18. Though the case was initially dismissed as death due to drowning, Fiona raised a hue and cry, forcing a second autopsy which indicated homicide.
Fiona had insisted she wouldn’t take her daughter’s body back home till the state government ordered a CBI inquiry. Now with CM Digambar Kamat giving in, Fiona has a reason to smile. “I am relieved. Now justice will be done and the people who wronged my daughter will go to jail,” said Fiona, who ruffled a few feathers when she alleged that there is a nexus between politicians, police and the drug mafia in Goa. Fearing a threat to her life, she had sought police protection, which she has been granted since Monday.
Meanwhile, the state police on Tuesday clarified that they will not charge Fiona under the Goa Children’s Act for neglecting her daughter as she had feared earlier.
Dismissing reports that she was using her daughter’s death to gain sympathy back home and earn quick bucks, besides big insurance money, Fiona said, “Rubbish. I am not a pauper or a criminal. I am just a mother fighting to ensure that her daughter gets justice.”
Fiona speaks at her lawyer’s house in Porvorim on Tuesday. She has been given police protection since Monday
2008 Mar 26 Times Of India Mumbai
Scarlett Mum Won’t Be Charged With Neglect, Rests Easy
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Fiona MacKeown appears relaxed and even smiles as she talks about her teenage daughter and the impending journey back home. The uncertainty and distraught that was writ large on her face for the past few weeks has now been replaced with a sense of justice and self-confidence.
“In a day or two, I will take my daughter back home to perform the last rites. I hope to be with my children during the weekend,” said Fiona.
Fiona is hopeful she will be with Scarlett in their last few moments together. The 15-year-old Briton was found dead under mysterious circumstances on Anjuna beach on February 18. Though the case was initially dismissed as death due to drowning, Fiona raised a hue and cry, forcing a second autopsy which indicated homicide.
Fiona had insisted she wouldn’t take her daughter’s body back home till the state government ordered a CBI inquiry. Now with CM Digambar Kamat giving in, Fiona has a reason to smile. “I am relieved. Now justice will be done and the people who wronged my daughter will go to jail,” said Fiona, who ruffled a few feathers when she alleged that there is a nexus between politicians, police and the drug mafia in Goa. Fearing a threat to her life, she had sought police protection, which she has been granted since Monday.
Meanwhile, the state police on Tuesday clarified that they will not charge Fiona under the Goa Children’s Act for neglecting her daughter as she had feared earlier.
Dismissing reports that she was using her daughter’s death to gain sympathy back home and earn quick bucks, besides big insurance money, Fiona said, “Rubbish. I am not a pauper or a criminal. I am just a mother fighting to ensure that her daughter gets justice.”
Fiona speaks at her lawyer’s house in Porvorim on Tuesday. She has been given police protection since Monday
2008 Mar 26 Times Of India Mumbai
Goa for CBI probe into Scarlett case
Goa for CBI probe into Scarlett case
Brit Teen’s Mom To Take Her Body Home Today
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Finally, British national Fiona MacKeown has some reason to smile, with the Goa government deciding to recommend a CBI probe into the rape and murder of her daughter Scarlett Keeling.
“Within two days, we will write to the Central government, requesting them to hand over the case to the CBI. We have nothing to hide,’’ said Goa chief minister Digambar Kamat on Monday night. Fiona, who has got police protection, said she was happy with the decision. “Today is my birthday. This is the best birthday gift I would have ever got.’’
Scarlett was on a holiday with her family in Goa when she was found dead on Anjuna beach on February 18. Ever since the teen’s body was found, her mother had been demanding a CBI probe. She had even blamed the state government for trying to cover up the “murder”. The Goa police had initially claimed that it was a case of drowning, but a second autopsy said the teen was drugged, raped and left on the beach to die. Fiona had last Saturday said she would approach the Bombay high court for a CBI probe. Till a few week ago, Kamat had refused Fiona’s demand for the CBI probe. But with the pressure increasing, he finally agreed for the probe.
“Some politicians may be involved in the drug trade. We will take necessary steps to curb the drug menace,’’ said Goa home minister Ravi Naik, who, along with DGP B S Brar, has also been blamed by Fiona for helping the culprits. The government also suspended Goa Medical College Forensic department head Dr Silvano Sapeco, who had conducted the first autopsy, which said Scarlett had died due to drowning.
Meanwhile, sources close to Fiona confirmed that she is planning to take Scarlett’s body to the UK on Tuesday.
2008 Mar 25 Times Of India Mumbai
Brit Teen’s Mom To Take Her Body Home Today
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Finally, British national Fiona MacKeown has some reason to smile, with the Goa government deciding to recommend a CBI probe into the rape and murder of her daughter Scarlett Keeling.
“Within two days, we will write to the Central government, requesting them to hand over the case to the CBI. We have nothing to hide,’’ said Goa chief minister Digambar Kamat on Monday night. Fiona, who has got police protection, said she was happy with the decision. “Today is my birthday. This is the best birthday gift I would have ever got.’’
Scarlett was on a holiday with her family in Goa when she was found dead on Anjuna beach on February 18. Ever since the teen’s body was found, her mother had been demanding a CBI probe. She had even blamed the state government for trying to cover up the “murder”. The Goa police had initially claimed that it was a case of drowning, but a second autopsy said the teen was drugged, raped and left on the beach to die. Fiona had last Saturday said she would approach the Bombay high court for a CBI probe. Till a few week ago, Kamat had refused Fiona’s demand for the CBI probe. But with the pressure increasing, he finally agreed for the probe.
“Some politicians may be involved in the drug trade. We will take necessary steps to curb the drug menace,’’ said Goa home minister Ravi Naik, who, along with DGP B S Brar, has also been blamed by Fiona for helping the culprits. The government also suspended Goa Medical College Forensic department head Dr Silvano Sapeco, who had conducted the first autopsy, which said Scarlett had died due to drowning.
Meanwhile, sources close to Fiona confirmed that she is planning to take Scarlett’s body to the UK on Tuesday.
2008 Mar 25 Times Of India Mumbai
Scarlett’s mom to seek police cover from HC
Scarlett’s mom to seek police cover from HC
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A day after the doctor, who conducted the first autopsy on Scarlett Keeling, contradicted Goan cops’ claims that she had been drugged, sexually assaulted and left to drown, the British teenager’s mother, Fiona MacKeown, on Sunday said she would seek police protection from the Goa bench of the Bombay high court.
“Besides demanding a CBI probe into my daughter’s death, I may also seek police protection from the court because my life is in danger. Let the court decide what’s best for the case,’’ Fiona said. She added that although she didn’t trust the cops, she was seeking police protection as several people were aware of her whereabouts. “I’ve been staying at my lawyer Vikram Varma’s house and too many people know that. It could be dangerous for me, Vikram and his family,’’ she said.
Sources said Dr Silvano Sapeco, who had conducted the first autopsy on Scarlett, in a fresh report submitted to the police on Saturday said she hadn’t been overdrugged before being raped but forcibly drowned and murdered. His report said the bruises on her body suggested a struggle.
Fiona, who was criticised for being a negligent mother, said justice was partly done as the fresh report by Dr Sapeco, the head of Goa Medical College’s Forensic Department, vindicated her. But North Goa SP Bosco George said: “The fresh report has no meaning. The doctor should have made these observations in the first report.’’
“Only when a forensic doctor keeps the cause of death reserved can they give new insights into the cause of death. But in Scarlett’s case, Dr Sapeco had clearly stated that the cause of death was due to drowning. So, he can’t give any new insight as an afterthought,’’ said a senior police officer.
The three-member forensic experts panel headed by Dr E J Rodrigues has written to Goa chief secretary J P Singh, North Goa SP Bosco George, SDM M V Khorjuenkar and GMC Dean Dr V N Jindal alleging lack of cooperation from the police. The letter was sent on March 19, when the police pressurised the doctors to conduct an ossification test on Scarlett without Fiona’s nod. This attitude, they said, had hampered the administration of justice.
2008 Mar 24 Times Of India Mumbai
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A day after the doctor, who conducted the first autopsy on Scarlett Keeling, contradicted Goan cops’ claims that she had been drugged, sexually assaulted and left to drown, the British teenager’s mother, Fiona MacKeown, on Sunday said she would seek police protection from the Goa bench of the Bombay high court.
“Besides demanding a CBI probe into my daughter’s death, I may also seek police protection from the court because my life is in danger. Let the court decide what’s best for the case,’’ Fiona said. She added that although she didn’t trust the cops, she was seeking police protection as several people were aware of her whereabouts. “I’ve been staying at my lawyer Vikram Varma’s house and too many people know that. It could be dangerous for me, Vikram and his family,’’ she said.
Sources said Dr Silvano Sapeco, who had conducted the first autopsy on Scarlett, in a fresh report submitted to the police on Saturday said she hadn’t been overdrugged before being raped but forcibly drowned and murdered. His report said the bruises on her body suggested a struggle.
Fiona, who was criticised for being a negligent mother, said justice was partly done as the fresh report by Dr Sapeco, the head of Goa Medical College’s Forensic Department, vindicated her. But North Goa SP Bosco George said: “The fresh report has no meaning. The doctor should have made these observations in the first report.’’
“Only when a forensic doctor keeps the cause of death reserved can they give new insights into the cause of death. But in Scarlett’s case, Dr Sapeco had clearly stated that the cause of death was due to drowning. So, he can’t give any new insight as an afterthought,’’ said a senior police officer.
The three-member forensic experts panel headed by Dr E J Rodrigues has written to Goa chief secretary J P Singh, North Goa SP Bosco George, SDM M V Khorjuenkar and GMC Dean Dr V N Jindal alleging lack of cooperation from the police. The letter was sent on March 19, when the police pressurised the doctors to conduct an ossification test on Scarlett without Fiona’s nod. This attitude, they said, had hampered the administration of justice.
2008 Mar 24 Times Of India Mumbai
Fiona to move HC as 1st autopsy doc now cries murder
Fiona to move HC as 1st autopsy doc now cries murder
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: There’s more trouble for the Goa police in the Scarlett Keeling case. The police, who have faced flak for their probe into the death of the British girl, found themselves in a bigger cesspool on Saturday with the three forensic experts who had conducted the second autopsy alleging that they had not received any co-operation from the police.
And, in a startling revelation, Dr Silvano Sapeco, who had conducted the first autopsy on Scarlett, has contradicted the police’s claim that she had been drugged, sexually assaulted and left to drown. Sources said Dr Sapeco, in a fresh report submitted to the police, said Scarlett had not been over-drugged before being raped. He said she was forcibly drowned and murdered. His report also said the bruises on Scarlett’s body suggested a struggle.
Scarlett’s mother Fiona MacKeown has decided to move the Goa bench of the Bombay HC next week. “We are going to the HC to seek a CBI inquiry. I feel cheated and am frustrated with the Goa police. They are more interested in looking into my past than catching the accused,’’ Fiona alleged. New claims have no legal standing
I’m still to read the report. The investigating officer informed me about 6 pm that he had received a fresh forensic report from Dr Sapeco,’’ North Goa SP Bosco George said. However, Dr Sapeco’s new report, which throws fresh insight into Scarlett’s death, has no legal meaning.
“Only when a forensic doctor keeps the cause of the death reserved can they give new insights into the cause of death. But in the case of Scarlett, Dr Sapeco, in his first autopsy report, had clearly stated that the cause of death was due to drowning. So, he can’t give any new insights as an afterthought,’’ said a top police official. The evidently surprised GMC Dean Dr V N Jindal refused to comment on the issue.
Meanwhile, the three-member forensic experts’ panel headed by Dr E J Rodrigues has written to chief secretary J P Singh, north Goa SP Bosco George, SDM M V Khorjuenkar and Dr Jindal alleging lack of co-operation from the police. The letter was sent on March 19, when the police had pressured the doctors to conduct an ossification test on Scarlett without Fiona’s nod. They have complained they had not received any co-operation from the police from the very start of the case. This attitude, they said, had hampered the process of administration of justice. TNN
2008 Mar 23 Times Of India Mumbai
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: There’s more trouble for the Goa police in the Scarlett Keeling case. The police, who have faced flak for their probe into the death of the British girl, found themselves in a bigger cesspool on Saturday with the three forensic experts who had conducted the second autopsy alleging that they had not received any co-operation from the police.
And, in a startling revelation, Dr Silvano Sapeco, who had conducted the first autopsy on Scarlett, has contradicted the police’s claim that she had been drugged, sexually assaulted and left to drown. Sources said Dr Sapeco, in a fresh report submitted to the police, said Scarlett had not been over-drugged before being raped. He said she was forcibly drowned and murdered. His report also said the bruises on Scarlett’s body suggested a struggle.
Scarlett’s mother Fiona MacKeown has decided to move the Goa bench of the Bombay HC next week. “We are going to the HC to seek a CBI inquiry. I feel cheated and am frustrated with the Goa police. They are more interested in looking into my past than catching the accused,’’ Fiona alleged. New claims have no legal standing
I’m still to read the report. The investigating officer informed me about 6 pm that he had received a fresh forensic report from Dr Sapeco,’’ North Goa SP Bosco George said. However, Dr Sapeco’s new report, which throws fresh insight into Scarlett’s death, has no legal meaning.
“Only when a forensic doctor keeps the cause of the death reserved can they give new insights into the cause of death. But in the case of Scarlett, Dr Sapeco, in his first autopsy report, had clearly stated that the cause of death was due to drowning. So, he can’t give any new insights as an afterthought,’’ said a top police official. The evidently surprised GMC Dean Dr V N Jindal refused to comment on the issue.
Meanwhile, the three-member forensic experts’ panel headed by Dr E J Rodrigues has written to chief secretary J P Singh, north Goa SP Bosco George, SDM M V Khorjuenkar and Dr Jindal alleging lack of co-operation from the police. The letter was sent on March 19, when the police had pressured the doctors to conduct an ossification test on Scarlett without Fiona’s nod. They have complained they had not received any co-operation from the police from the very start of the case. This attitude, they said, had hampered the process of administration of justice. TNN
2008 Mar 23 Times Of India Mumbai
‘Scarlette had alcohol, cocaine and morphine’
‘Scarlette had alcohol, cocaine and morphine’
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: It is now official. British teenager Scarlette Keeling had a deadly cocktail of alcohol, cocaine and morphine on the night before her body was found on the Anjuna beach on February 18.
The viscera report of the FSL in Kalina, Mumbai, confirmed that Scarlette’s blood sample sent by police contained alcohol and two types of drugs—cocaine and morphine. Sources said 90 to 100 milligram of alcohol, cocaine and morphine was found in the sample.
“The viscera report is positive and strengthens our case,’’ Goa IG Kishen Kumar said. The police had been maintaining that Scarlette was drugged, raped and then dumped in water which led to her death. “We are insisting on murder, as Scarlette was dumped in the water after she became unconscious. If a person is unconscious and dumped in water, the person will definitely die,’’ said Kumar.
Cops ruled out Mumbai businessman Murali’s role in the incident. “Murali has been examined and his statement has been recorded before a magistrate. There are differences in Mike’s statement and we sent him to record his statement before the magistrate,’’ he said
Spl unit to patrol Goa beaches 24x7
Faced with stiff criticism for unsafe beaches, the Goa government has now decided to form a special police unit to man beaches 24x7. “The state government will deploy a special unit of the police to man the beaches,” Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said after his return from New Delhi. TNN
Now, casinos feel the heat
After beach shacks, it is now the turn of casinos to face the heat in Goa. With two more casinos set to join the Caravela Casino, the state government is under pressure from the BJP to stop the proliferation of gambling dens. The BJP has threatened to take to the streets to stop the government from permitting two new casinos in Panaji. TNN
2008 Mar 21 Times Of India Mumbai
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: It is now official. British teenager Scarlette Keeling had a deadly cocktail of alcohol, cocaine and morphine on the night before her body was found on the Anjuna beach on February 18.
The viscera report of the FSL in Kalina, Mumbai, confirmed that Scarlette’s blood sample sent by police contained alcohol and two types of drugs—cocaine and morphine. Sources said 90 to 100 milligram of alcohol, cocaine and morphine was found in the sample.
“The viscera report is positive and strengthens our case,’’ Goa IG Kishen Kumar said. The police had been maintaining that Scarlette was drugged, raped and then dumped in water which led to her death. “We are insisting on murder, as Scarlette was dumped in the water after she became unconscious. If a person is unconscious and dumped in water, the person will definitely die,’’ said Kumar.
Cops ruled out Mumbai businessman Murali’s role in the incident. “Murali has been examined and his statement has been recorded before a magistrate. There are differences in Mike’s statement and we sent him to record his statement before the magistrate,’’ he said
Spl unit to patrol Goa beaches 24x7
Faced with stiff criticism for unsafe beaches, the Goa government has now decided to form a special police unit to man beaches 24x7. “The state government will deploy a special unit of the police to man the beaches,” Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said after his return from New Delhi. TNN
Now, casinos feel the heat
After beach shacks, it is now the turn of casinos to face the heat in Goa. With two more casinos set to join the Caravela Casino, the state government is under pressure from the BJP to stop the proliferation of gambling dens. The BJP has threatened to take to the streets to stop the government from permitting two new casinos in Panaji. TNN
2008 Mar 21 Times Of India Mumbai
Cops crack down on drug dens
Cops crack down on drug dens
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Anjuna, once the beach of the hippie and the flower child, is now crawling with the law. It has taken the rape and death of Scarlette Keeling to get the government to crack down on the drug nests that flourish on the northern coastal belt of Goa, and in and around Anjuna.
From shack raids and night patrols of the beach to booking cases against foreign tourists for overstaying, the Anjuna police’s truncheon is being excerised like never before. Home minister Ravi Naik has directed the Anti Narcotic Cell to raid all suspected drug joints and the immigration staff has been told to book foreign tourists who have overstayed. In the last year, 104 such foreigners have been deported.
Naik said foreign nationals used every excuse to stay on long after their visa had expired—while some said that they had incomplete business projects other claimed they needed to complete their education at a local college. “They continue to flunk in the same class three or four times to stay on. Mostly, the Israelis and Nigerians use this pretext. But now, to curb the problem, we have requested principals not to give admission to such students,’’ said Naik.
Drug peddling is another big problem. In the last three years, 39 Indians and 35 foreign nationals (mainly from Nepal) have been arrested and drugs worth crores of rupees seized. “We have also alerted the charter flight operators as drugs are often trafficked via charter flights,’’ said Naik.
On a Sunday night beach patrol, 42 persons, whose movements were deemed suspicious, were picked up. Cases have also been filed against two party venues, in Anjuna and Pernem, for playing loud music.
“We have decided that all bars will have to close by 11 pm and restaurants which have a bar will have to close by midnight,’’ added Naik. 23 detained in molestation case
The Colva police on Monday detained 23 people suspected to be involved in the alleged molestation of a German woman on the Cavelossim beach. They were, however, released after the initial investigations. The woman, in her complaint, has alleged “a man with dark complexion’’ had pounced on her and pulled at her swimwear when she was bathing in shallow water on the Cavelossim beach last Friday. “There were no people around me and my friend was away from the scene when the accused appeared,” the 27-year-old victim, who works for the German State Authority, said in her statement. TNN
2008 Mar 18 Times Of India Mumbai
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Anjuna, once the beach of the hippie and the flower child, is now crawling with the law. It has taken the rape and death of Scarlette Keeling to get the government to crack down on the drug nests that flourish on the northern coastal belt of Goa, and in and around Anjuna.
From shack raids and night patrols of the beach to booking cases against foreign tourists for overstaying, the Anjuna police’s truncheon is being excerised like never before. Home minister Ravi Naik has directed the Anti Narcotic Cell to raid all suspected drug joints and the immigration staff has been told to book foreign tourists who have overstayed. In the last year, 104 such foreigners have been deported.
Naik said foreign nationals used every excuse to stay on long after their visa had expired—while some said that they had incomplete business projects other claimed they needed to complete their education at a local college. “They continue to flunk in the same class three or four times to stay on. Mostly, the Israelis and Nigerians use this pretext. But now, to curb the problem, we have requested principals not to give admission to such students,’’ said Naik.
Drug peddling is another big problem. In the last three years, 39 Indians and 35 foreign nationals (mainly from Nepal) have been arrested and drugs worth crores of rupees seized. “We have also alerted the charter flight operators as drugs are often trafficked via charter flights,’’ said Naik.
On a Sunday night beach patrol, 42 persons, whose movements were deemed suspicious, were picked up. Cases have also been filed against two party venues, in Anjuna and Pernem, for playing loud music.
“We have decided that all bars will have to close by 11 pm and restaurants which have a bar will have to close by midnight,’’ added Naik. 23 detained in molestation case
The Colva police on Monday detained 23 people suspected to be involved in the alleged molestation of a German woman on the Cavelossim beach. They were, however, released after the initial investigations. The woman, in her complaint, has alleged “a man with dark complexion’’ had pounced on her and pulled at her swimwear when she was bathing in shallow water on the Cavelossim beach last Friday. “There were no people around me and my friend was away from the scene when the accused appeared,” the 27-year-old victim, who works for the German State Authority, said in her statement. TNN
2008 Mar 18 Times Of India Mumbai
Fiona not welcome in Goa: Minister
Fiona not welcome in Goa: Min
Says Govt Will Approach Centre To Ban Her Entry
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Scarlette Keeling’s mother Fiona MacKeown is no more longer welcome in Goa. The Goa government is planning to write to the central government to ban Fiona MacKeown’s re-entry into India.
“We will request the central government’s external affairs ministry and home ministry to ban Fiona’s entry into India again. She has a criminal background and we don’t need such people in our country,’’ stated home minister Ravi Naik. The Goa government has come under fire after it was revealed that the police had attempted to cover up the death of Brit teen Scarlette by passing it off as death by drowning. It was only when Fiona, 43, raised a stink that a second autopsy was conducted and which showed that the minor had been raped.
Fiona, who has single-handedly fought for justice for her daughter, has attacked the home minister and DGP B S Brar, alleging that there is a nexus between the drug mafia, the DGP and Naik, and they have done their best to protect the criminals. Naik refuted these charges and said the mother was making these statements to divert people’s attention from her own lack of parenting. Fiona has seven other children and is in Goa with her partner. Naik said that he would ensure that Fiona’s soon-to-expire visa is not extended. “She left her 15-year-old child and went to Karnataka. By doing this she has violated the law and the law will take its own course,’’ he said.
“The girl died because the mother acted in an irresponsible manner. Tourists must behave properly and respect Goa’s culture and the law of the land.’’
Key witness Masala Mike gives testimony
British national Michael Mannion aka Masala Mike, a prime witness in the case and who was so far in hiding, appeared before North Goa SP Bosco George to give his version. It is reliably learnt that Masala has informed the police that about 5 am, the girl left the cafe with a businessman from Mumbai, who has also acted in Hindi films.
“After some time I saw Samson D’Souza (the main accused) on top of Scarlette and it appeared that Samson was trying to take off Scarlette’s clothes. I was shocked and scared because Samson and Murli are local men and they could have physically assaulted me. So I drove away in a rage,’’ revealed Masala. The police have already arrested Samson for raping and murdering a minor girl.
Samson and Masala were friends and Masala was putting up at Samson’s house. Although he admitted that he didn’t feel good about leaving Scarlette alone, he said he was scared for his own safety as Samson had threatened him with dire consequences.
“I am still in fear of some people in Anjuna but I came back to ensure that Scarlette gets justice,’’ he said.
2008 Mar 18 Times Of India Mumbai
Says Govt Will Approach Centre To Ban Her Entry
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Scarlette Keeling’s mother Fiona MacKeown is no more longer welcome in Goa. The Goa government is planning to write to the central government to ban Fiona MacKeown’s re-entry into India.
“We will request the central government’s external affairs ministry and home ministry to ban Fiona’s entry into India again. She has a criminal background and we don’t need such people in our country,’’ stated home minister Ravi Naik. The Goa government has come under fire after it was revealed that the police had attempted to cover up the death of Brit teen Scarlette by passing it off as death by drowning. It was only when Fiona, 43, raised a stink that a second autopsy was conducted and which showed that the minor had been raped.
Fiona, who has single-handedly fought for justice for her daughter, has attacked the home minister and DGP B S Brar, alleging that there is a nexus between the drug mafia, the DGP and Naik, and they have done their best to protect the criminals. Naik refuted these charges and said the mother was making these statements to divert people’s attention from her own lack of parenting. Fiona has seven other children and is in Goa with her partner. Naik said that he would ensure that Fiona’s soon-to-expire visa is not extended. “She left her 15-year-old child and went to Karnataka. By doing this she has violated the law and the law will take its own course,’’ he said.
“The girl died because the mother acted in an irresponsible manner. Tourists must behave properly and respect Goa’s culture and the law of the land.’’
Key witness Masala Mike gives testimony
British national Michael Mannion aka Masala Mike, a prime witness in the case and who was so far in hiding, appeared before North Goa SP Bosco George to give his version. It is reliably learnt that Masala has informed the police that about 5 am, the girl left the cafe with a businessman from Mumbai, who has also acted in Hindi films.
“After some time I saw Samson D’Souza (the main accused) on top of Scarlette and it appeared that Samson was trying to take off Scarlette’s clothes. I was shocked and scared because Samson and Murli are local men and they could have physically assaulted me. So I drove away in a rage,’’ revealed Masala. The police have already arrested Samson for raping and murdering a minor girl.
Samson and Masala were friends and Masala was putting up at Samson’s house. Although he admitted that he didn’t feel good about leaving Scarlette alone, he said he was scared for his own safety as Samson had threatened him with dire consequences.
“I am still in fear of some people in Anjuna but I came back to ensure that Scarlette gets justice,’’ he said.
2008 Mar 18 Times Of India Mumbai
Fiona alleges drug mafia-neta nexus
Fiona alleges drug mafia-neta nexus
Goa Minister, DGP, Narcotics Dealers Work In Collusion: Scarlette’s Mom
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Fiona MacKeown, whose minor daughter Scarlette Keeling was found dead under mysterious circumstances, has alleged that there is a strong nexus between the drug mafia, Goa home minister Ravi Naik and DGP B S Brar.
She said Naik and the DGP, having full knowledge of the criminal activities, have done their best to protect the criminals. “If they were not involved, why didn’t they allow a CBI inquiry. They tried to cover up Scarlette’s murder,’’ she said. The family’s counsel, Vikram Varma, said the duo’s inaction raises suspicions.
Hitting back, the home minister demanded a probe into the mother’s background, source of income and frequent trips to Karnataka. “There is need to probe into her (Fiona’s) background and source of income. We will certainly do it,” Naik said. He termed Fiona’s statements as ‘foolish’. “Goa police have thoroughly probed the case and booked the people. We have commissioned reputed officer like SP (north) Bosco George to handle the case,” he added. “How can she charge us with having nexus with the drug traders?” Naik shot back.
Meanwhile, the mystery shrouding the girl’s murder refuses to unravel. While the Goa police maintain she was raped by Samson D’Souza, locals allege a Mumbai-based businessman, who has acted in few Hindi films, may also be involved. Even Placido Carvalho alias Shanu Boy, one of the main accused arrested, has stated in his bail plea that the girl knew the businessman and had also asked him for her boyfriend Julio’s number. When he replied he didn’t have the number, Scarlett, who was in an inebriated state, asked him to drop her at Siolim. According to Shanu, the businessman told Scarlett that he didn’t know where Siolim was but agreed to drop her at Curlie’s shack in Anjuna and left with her at 4.30 am. But the confusion starts here. While the police said the businessman didn’t take the girl to Curlie’s shack and left her with Samson, some eyewitnesses reveal he had in fact taken her there. She was sexually assaulted at Curlie’s shack by a group and when she collapsed, she was taken on a speed boat and dumped near Lui Cafe, they added.
2008 Mar 16 Times Of India Mumbai
Goa Minister, DGP, Narcotics Dealers Work In Collusion: Scarlette’s Mom
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Fiona MacKeown, whose minor daughter Scarlette Keeling was found dead under mysterious circumstances, has alleged that there is a strong nexus between the drug mafia, Goa home minister Ravi Naik and DGP B S Brar.
She said Naik and the DGP, having full knowledge of the criminal activities, have done their best to protect the criminals. “If they were not involved, why didn’t they allow a CBI inquiry. They tried to cover up Scarlette’s murder,’’ she said. The family’s counsel, Vikram Varma, said the duo’s inaction raises suspicions.
Hitting back, the home minister demanded a probe into the mother’s background, source of income and frequent trips to Karnataka. “There is need to probe into her (Fiona’s) background and source of income. We will certainly do it,” Naik said. He termed Fiona’s statements as ‘foolish’. “Goa police have thoroughly probed the case and booked the people. We have commissioned reputed officer like SP (north) Bosco George to handle the case,” he added. “How can she charge us with having nexus with the drug traders?” Naik shot back.
Meanwhile, the mystery shrouding the girl’s murder refuses to unravel. While the Goa police maintain she was raped by Samson D’Souza, locals allege a Mumbai-based businessman, who has acted in few Hindi films, may also be involved. Even Placido Carvalho alias Shanu Boy, one of the main accused arrested, has stated in his bail plea that the girl knew the businessman and had also asked him for her boyfriend Julio’s number. When he replied he didn’t have the number, Scarlett, who was in an inebriated state, asked him to drop her at Siolim. According to Shanu, the businessman told Scarlett that he didn’t know where Siolim was but agreed to drop her at Curlie’s shack in Anjuna and left with her at 4.30 am. But the confusion starts here. While the police said the businessman didn’t take the girl to Curlie’s shack and left her with Samson, some eyewitnesses reveal he had in fact taken her there. She was sexually assaulted at Curlie’s shack by a group and when she collapsed, she was taken on a speed boat and dumped near Lui Cafe, they added.
2008 Mar 16 Times Of India Mumbai
I wanted to be my kids’ friend: Fiona
I wanted to be my kids’ friend: Fiona
Goa Police Issue Summons To Scarlette’s Mom
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: When Fiona MacKeown left her mother’s home at the young age of 17, she made herself a promise. If she ever had children, she would give them something that her mother had denied her: freedom and friendship.
“I always wanted my relationship with my children to be trusting and honest,’’ said the 43-yearold, who has been severely criticised by fellow Britons for being a derelict mother who left her daughter alone in Goa. On the night of February 18, when Scarlette was drugged, raped and left to drown off Anjuna beach, her mother was in Karnataka. On Friday, she received summons under the Goa Children’s Act, asking her to appear before the juvenile unit of the Goa police on Friday.
Fiona’s need to be friends with her children is a result of her having to leave home because of her mother’s domineering ways, she says. “I didn’t have a good childhood. My mother was too strict and I hated it. That’s why I revolted. I gave my children freedom so that they could trust me. I never wanted my children to feel bad about anything or themselves. But now I realise how wrong and naive I was,’’ she admitted.
Fiona came to Goa in November with eight children and her partner. The holiday ended in the most tragic fashion but that has not dissuaded her from wanting to return. She says she’ll come back during the winter season and take horse-riding classes for tourists. “It would be different and fun business,’’ she said. “And after the tourist season, when I return to Devon, I intend to carry several leather accessories from Gokarna in Karnataka and sell them in London. I ran a shop there for five years and know the business.’’
Fiona had earlier told TOI that she wanted to settle in Goa, but has changed her mind after she was advised against doing so by friends. She is worried about her children’s safety. As for the daughter she lost, Fiona said quietly, “She was a good child. She will always be a good child.’’
Court denies bail to Shanu Boy
The court has denied bail to Placido Carvalho aka Shanu Boy, one of the main accused in the Scarlette murder case who allegedly drugged the British teen with an intention to rape her. Shanu Boy, meanwhile, has been admitted to a hospital as he was feeling “sick”. TNN
MacKeown jailed in ’83 for knifing man
London: A British newspaper on Friday threw light on an unsavoury aspect of Fiona MacKeown, Scarlette’s mother, alleging that she was jailed for slitting the throat of a man she met at a party. The paper reported her oldest son, Hal, saying that she and a female friend were accused of attempted murder in 1983, when Fiona was 18. Hal, Scarlette’s older sibling, said the murder charge was eventually reduced to attempted manslaughter and she finally served just one year of the threeyear sentence. TNN
2008 Mar 15 Times of India Mumbai
Goa Police Issue Summons To Scarlette’s Mom
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: When Fiona MacKeown left her mother’s home at the young age of 17, she made herself a promise. If she ever had children, she would give them something that her mother had denied her: freedom and friendship.
“I always wanted my relationship with my children to be trusting and honest,’’ said the 43-yearold, who has been severely criticised by fellow Britons for being a derelict mother who left her daughter alone in Goa. On the night of February 18, when Scarlette was drugged, raped and left to drown off Anjuna beach, her mother was in Karnataka. On Friday, she received summons under the Goa Children’s Act, asking her to appear before the juvenile unit of the Goa police on Friday.
Fiona’s need to be friends with her children is a result of her having to leave home because of her mother’s domineering ways, she says. “I didn’t have a good childhood. My mother was too strict and I hated it. That’s why I revolted. I gave my children freedom so that they could trust me. I never wanted my children to feel bad about anything or themselves. But now I realise how wrong and naive I was,’’ she admitted.
Fiona came to Goa in November with eight children and her partner. The holiday ended in the most tragic fashion but that has not dissuaded her from wanting to return. She says she’ll come back during the winter season and take horse-riding classes for tourists. “It would be different and fun business,’’ she said. “And after the tourist season, when I return to Devon, I intend to carry several leather accessories from Gokarna in Karnataka and sell them in London. I ran a shop there for five years and know the business.’’
Fiona had earlier told TOI that she wanted to settle in Goa, but has changed her mind after she was advised against doing so by friends. She is worried about her children’s safety. As for the daughter she lost, Fiona said quietly, “She was a good child. She will always be a good child.’’
Court denies bail to Shanu Boy
The court has denied bail to Placido Carvalho aka Shanu Boy, one of the main accused in the Scarlette murder case who allegedly drugged the British teen with an intention to rape her. Shanu Boy, meanwhile, has been admitted to a hospital as he was feeling “sick”. TNN
MacKeown jailed in ’83 for knifing man
London: A British newspaper on Friday threw light on an unsavoury aspect of Fiona MacKeown, Scarlette’s mother, alleging that she was jailed for slitting the throat of a man she met at a party. The paper reported her oldest son, Hal, saying that she and a female friend were accused of attempted murder in 1983, when Fiona was 18. Hal, Scarlette’s older sibling, said the murder charge was eventually reduced to attempted manslaughter and she finally served just one year of the threeyear sentence. TNN
2008 Mar 15 Times of India Mumbai
Two accused ‘confess’ to raping British girl in Goa
Two accused ‘confess’ to raping British girl in Goa
Andrew Pereira & Preetu Nair TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji:Battered by accusations of a cover-up and collusion, the Goa police on Thursday claimed they had wrested confessions of rape from two men who were last seen by witnesses with Scarlette Eden Keeling, the 15-yearold British tourist whose body was found on Anjuna Beach about three weeks ago.
The case, which has exposed the murky world of drugs and sleaze in Goa, was now solved, claimed IGP Kishen Kumar. “The prime suspect, Placido Carvalho, who was arrested on Wednesday, has confessed that he gave her drugs, raped her and left her on the beach. As the girl remained unconscious, she died during the high tide,’’ he told reporters, trying to reconstruct the final hours of Scarlett.
Another person, Samson D’Souza, also raped the girl who was tanked with alcohol and cocaine when, at 3 am, she tottered into Lui’s Cafe beach drinking shack where he was manning the bar. As the girl entered the bar, Carvalho spotted her, led her to the kitchen and pumped her with more cocaine and Ecstasy pills, Kumar said. Later that night, a witness saw Samson, 29, in a compromising position with her.
“She was in a drunken state. Some persons in the shack
warned Samson to keep away from the girl. Samson sexually assaulted the girl behind the bar and later on the beach,’’ Kumar said. “Scarlette passed out and Samson tried to revive her by splashing water. She came to for a while and fainted again. At this juncture,Samson saw somebody approaching with a torchlight. He dumped her and fled.’’
Although Samson and Carvalho have been booked for murder and rape, police are still sticking to the theory that Scarlette died of drug overdose and drowning. Pumping her with drugs, they say, demonstrated an intent to rape and murder.
Carvalho,also known as Shanu Boy, was remanded to 14 days in police custody. Three other men—Murlisagar Bolojo aka Murali, Thomas and Michael Mannion aka Masala Mike—wanted in connection with the murder and rape are still at large. Mother wants right people jailed
Panaji: Despite the police breakthrough, the mother of Scarlette Keeling who had been screaming rape and murder from the day the teenager’s body was discovered on February 18, says that the Goa police are still trying to cover up for the real culprits. “I don’t believe it. There are more people involved and police need to expose each and every one of them. For me, the case is not over yet. It has just started,’’ said the 43-year-old Fiona Mackeown. She has relented to taking her daughter’s body from the police mortuary back home to Devon in a few days.
But she is determined to return to Goa with her children to fight for justice. “I will fight for justice till the end. I want my daughter’s soul to rest in peace by ensuring that the right people go to prison.’’
The woman who has petitioned even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, complained that she was still being harassed by police. “They are refusing to give me a copy of the FIR and making me run from one police station to another. They are trying to wear me out,’’ she said.
The Goa authorities, who refused to heed her pleas for an investigation for nearly a fortnight and reacted only when media fingers pointed at them, say they are acting by the book now.
Police sub-inspector Neron Albuquerque, who was at the Anjuna police station, has been suspended, but even senior cops privately say he was just a scapegoat. Chief secretary J P Singh has promised to crack down on the drug mafia. “We are also strengthening the anti-narcotics cell and starting a drive against the sale of drugs in Goa,’’ he said. TNN
Viscera sent to Mumbai lab for toxicology test: Nearly a month after Scarlette’s death, samples of her viscera (internal organs) have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Mumbai’s Kalina. The analysis, which will find in detail if the teen was administered alcohol, poison or drugs before death, is expected to be completed in a week. While a post-mortem reveals the preliminary death cause, a detailed viscera analysis can provide more insight.
2008 Mar 14 Times of India Mumbai
Andrew Pereira & Preetu Nair TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Panaji:Battered by accusations of a cover-up and collusion, the Goa police on Thursday claimed they had wrested confessions of rape from two men who were last seen by witnesses with Scarlette Eden Keeling, the 15-yearold British tourist whose body was found on Anjuna Beach about three weeks ago.
The case, which has exposed the murky world of drugs and sleaze in Goa, was now solved, claimed IGP Kishen Kumar. “The prime suspect, Placido Carvalho, who was arrested on Wednesday, has confessed that he gave her drugs, raped her and left her on the beach. As the girl remained unconscious, she died during the high tide,’’ he told reporters, trying to reconstruct the final hours of Scarlett.
Another person, Samson D’Souza, also raped the girl who was tanked with alcohol and cocaine when, at 3 am, she tottered into Lui’s Cafe beach drinking shack where he was manning the bar. As the girl entered the bar, Carvalho spotted her, led her to the kitchen and pumped her with more cocaine and Ecstasy pills, Kumar said. Later that night, a witness saw Samson, 29, in a compromising position with her.
“She was in a drunken state. Some persons in the shack
warned Samson to keep away from the girl. Samson sexually assaulted the girl behind the bar and later on the beach,’’ Kumar said. “Scarlette passed out and Samson tried to revive her by splashing water. She came to for a while and fainted again. At this juncture,Samson saw somebody approaching with a torchlight. He dumped her and fled.’’
Although Samson and Carvalho have been booked for murder and rape, police are still sticking to the theory that Scarlette died of drug overdose and drowning. Pumping her with drugs, they say, demonstrated an intent to rape and murder.
Carvalho,also known as Shanu Boy, was remanded to 14 days in police custody. Three other men—Murlisagar Bolojo aka Murali, Thomas and Michael Mannion aka Masala Mike—wanted in connection with the murder and rape are still at large. Mother wants right people jailed
Panaji: Despite the police breakthrough, the mother of Scarlette Keeling who had been screaming rape and murder from the day the teenager’s body was discovered on February 18, says that the Goa police are still trying to cover up for the real culprits. “I don’t believe it. There are more people involved and police need to expose each and every one of them. For me, the case is not over yet. It has just started,’’ said the 43-year-old Fiona Mackeown. She has relented to taking her daughter’s body from the police mortuary back home to Devon in a few days.
But she is determined to return to Goa with her children to fight for justice. “I will fight for justice till the end. I want my daughter’s soul to rest in peace by ensuring that the right people go to prison.’’
The woman who has petitioned even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, complained that she was still being harassed by police. “They are refusing to give me a copy of the FIR and making me run from one police station to another. They are trying to wear me out,’’ she said.
The Goa authorities, who refused to heed her pleas for an investigation for nearly a fortnight and reacted only when media fingers pointed at them, say they are acting by the book now.
Police sub-inspector Neron Albuquerque, who was at the Anjuna police station, has been suspended, but even senior cops privately say he was just a scapegoat. Chief secretary J P Singh has promised to crack down on the drug mafia. “We are also strengthening the anti-narcotics cell and starting a drive against the sale of drugs in Goa,’’ he said. TNN
Viscera sent to Mumbai lab for toxicology test: Nearly a month after Scarlette’s death, samples of her viscera (internal organs) have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Mumbai’s Kalina. The analysis, which will find in detail if the teen was administered alcohol, poison or drugs before death, is expected to be completed in a week. While a post-mortem reveals the preliminary death cause, a detailed viscera analysis can provide more insight.
2008 Mar 14 Times of India Mumbai
Homicide whiff in first autopsy: Doc
Homicide whiff in first autopsy: Doc
Says Cops Ignored Murder Possibility; Scarlette’s Mother Writes Letter To PM
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A senior doctor who conducted the first autopsy on Scarlette Keeling has been caught on a hidden TV camera saying the cops ignored his observation that the death could have been a case of homicide. The revelations could spell fresh trouble for the Goa police, who are already in the eye of the storm over an alleged hush-up in the Briton’s death probe.
The face-saver that the Goa police have is that the doctor gave a verbal opinion and not a written one, which is against medical rules. The cops had declared Scarlette’s death a murder only after the second autopsy forced by her mother, Fiona MacKeown.
Fiona has also written to the PM, requesting him to take steps to identify and prosecute the drug mafia in the state. In the letter, she accused
the authorities of colluding with criminals to cover up her daughter’s murder. “I have no faith in the police,” she said. She added that she was worried over the possibility of the police charging her with neglect for leaving her daughter alone. “The police are deflecting the real issue and taking the focus away by saying that I neglected my daughter.”
A lot in the probe now depends upon if the police are able to track down key witness Michael Manyon aka ‘Masala’ Mike. Sources said they believe that Masala had disappeared because the main accused, Samson D’Souza, threatened him. Samson was arrested after another witness, Placido Carvalho alias Shanu Boy, informed cops that he had seen a half-naked Samson on top of the girl behind Lui’s Cafe at 4.45 am on February 18. IGP Kishan Kumar said the police were in touch with the British high commission in New Delhi and they had informed him that Masala was very much in the country.
According to the police affidavit, owner of Lui Cafe, Lui, saw Scarlette talking to Samson and Masala near the bar around 4.15 am. It is also learnt that Samson, on learning that Scarlette was dead, panicked, and there was an argument between him and Masala, during which Masala accused Samson of having harmed her. Lui has also told cops that he had heard Samson telling his wife on the phone to pack Masala’s bags. It was then they realised that Masala was staying with Samson, suggesting that Samson had threatened Masala.
Shanu Boy arrested on rape charge
In a latenight development, Placido Carvalho alias Shanu Boy was arrested from his lawyer’s office in Mapusa for allegedly raping Scarlette and taken to Anjuna police station. “Yes, Placido has been arrested...for charges of rape and for supplying intoxicating drugs to the girl. We will apply for anticipatory bail,” his counsel Jos Peter D’Souza said.
Lookout notice for ‘Masala’ Mike
The Goa police have issued a lookout notice for Michael Manyon aka ‘Masala’ Mike, a key witness in the Scarlette case. They are also on the lookout for Murali, an affluent Mumbaikar, who had apparently left Lui’s Cafe with Scarlette while Samson and Masala Mike were still there, Shanu Boy stated in his anticipatory bail plea. TNN
Times View
The manner in which the Goa authorities are dealing with the Scarlette Keeling murder case is shameful. Instead of accepting the state’s failure to follow up the rape and murder of a minor girl, the CM and senior cops seem keen to paint the victim and her family as wayward, and hence somehow inviting the heinous crime upon the girl. In short, the attempt is to depict the victim/s as villains. The CM has said Scarlette’s mother Fiona should have taken care of her child, while the police are even suggesting they could throw the law book at Fiona for leaving her daughter alone in Goa. These tactics shouldn’t be allowed to cloud the main issue—a girl was raped and murdered and precious little has been done to bring the culprit to book. In fact, the initial effort was to cover up and pass off the murder as a case of drowning. This kind of dodginess is not expected from a government. It should get on with the job of catching the murderer. GOASPEAK
Dr Oscar Rebello, convener, Goa Bachao Abhiyan
I don’t think this incident will affect Goa’s tourism image although the fact that the state is becoming an easy destination for drugs and sex trafficking is something to worry about
‘Edwin Baretto, sarpanch and shack owner, Cavelossim I agree with the chief minister that a 15-year-old girl should have been looked after by her guardians. The impact of this incident on tourism may be shortlived, but will hurt Goa’s image in the long run
‘Ralph de Souza, president, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa
We used to take pride in marketing Goa as a safe destination. In that sense, yes, this has affected us. But we are not worried about tourism. All we want is a proper probe. Even the mother should be punished for neglecting her ward
2008 Mar 13 Times of India Mumbai
Says Cops Ignored Murder Possibility; Scarlette’s Mother Writes Letter To PM
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A senior doctor who conducted the first autopsy on Scarlette Keeling has been caught on a hidden TV camera saying the cops ignored his observation that the death could have been a case of homicide. The revelations could spell fresh trouble for the Goa police, who are already in the eye of the storm over an alleged hush-up in the Briton’s death probe.
The face-saver that the Goa police have is that the doctor gave a verbal opinion and not a written one, which is against medical rules. The cops had declared Scarlette’s death a murder only after the second autopsy forced by her mother, Fiona MacKeown.
Fiona has also written to the PM, requesting him to take steps to identify and prosecute the drug mafia in the state. In the letter, she accused
the authorities of colluding with criminals to cover up her daughter’s murder. “I have no faith in the police,” she said. She added that she was worried over the possibility of the police charging her with neglect for leaving her daughter alone. “The police are deflecting the real issue and taking the focus away by saying that I neglected my daughter.”
A lot in the probe now depends upon if the police are able to track down key witness Michael Manyon aka ‘Masala’ Mike. Sources said they believe that Masala had disappeared because the main accused, Samson D’Souza, threatened him. Samson was arrested after another witness, Placido Carvalho alias Shanu Boy, informed cops that he had seen a half-naked Samson on top of the girl behind Lui’s Cafe at 4.45 am on February 18. IGP Kishan Kumar said the police were in touch with the British high commission in New Delhi and they had informed him that Masala was very much in the country.
According to the police affidavit, owner of Lui Cafe, Lui, saw Scarlette talking to Samson and Masala near the bar around 4.15 am. It is also learnt that Samson, on learning that Scarlette was dead, panicked, and there was an argument between him and Masala, during which Masala accused Samson of having harmed her. Lui has also told cops that he had heard Samson telling his wife on the phone to pack Masala’s bags. It was then they realised that Masala was staying with Samson, suggesting that Samson had threatened Masala.
Shanu Boy arrested on rape charge
In a latenight development, Placido Carvalho alias Shanu Boy was arrested from his lawyer’s office in Mapusa for allegedly raping Scarlette and taken to Anjuna police station. “Yes, Placido has been arrested...for charges of rape and for supplying intoxicating drugs to the girl. We will apply for anticipatory bail,” his counsel Jos Peter D’Souza said.
Lookout notice for ‘Masala’ Mike
The Goa police have issued a lookout notice for Michael Manyon aka ‘Masala’ Mike, a key witness in the Scarlette case. They are also on the lookout for Murali, an affluent Mumbaikar, who had apparently left Lui’s Cafe with Scarlette while Samson and Masala Mike were still there, Shanu Boy stated in his anticipatory bail plea. TNN
Times View
The manner in which the Goa authorities are dealing with the Scarlette Keeling murder case is shameful. Instead of accepting the state’s failure to follow up the rape and murder of a minor girl, the CM and senior cops seem keen to paint the victim and her family as wayward, and hence somehow inviting the heinous crime upon the girl. In short, the attempt is to depict the victim/s as villains. The CM has said Scarlette’s mother Fiona should have taken care of her child, while the police are even suggesting they could throw the law book at Fiona for leaving her daughter alone in Goa. These tactics shouldn’t be allowed to cloud the main issue—a girl was raped and murdered and precious little has been done to bring the culprit to book. In fact, the initial effort was to cover up and pass off the murder as a case of drowning. This kind of dodginess is not expected from a government. It should get on with the job of catching the murderer. GOASPEAK
Dr Oscar Rebello, convener, Goa Bachao Abhiyan
I don’t think this incident will affect Goa’s tourism image although the fact that the state is becoming an easy destination for drugs and sex trafficking is something to worry about
‘Edwin Baretto, sarpanch and shack owner, Cavelossim I agree with the chief minister that a 15-year-old girl should have been looked after by her guardians. The impact of this incident on tourism may be shortlived, but will hurt Goa’s image in the long run
‘Ralph de Souza, president, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa
We used to take pride in marketing Goa as a safe destination. In that sense, yes, this has affected us. But we are not worried about tourism. All we want is a proper probe. Even the mother should be punished for neglecting her ward
2008 Mar 13 Times of India Mumbai
Keeling’s mother still wants to settle in Goa
Keeling’s mother still wants to settle in Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The tragic story of a daughter’s death has a surprisingly redeeming end. The mother, Fiona MacKeown, 43, wants to come back to Goa and settle here. Why? “The locals, except for few, are very nice and helpful people. They helped me and gave me emotional support when I needed it the most. If the police weren’t corrupt here, then this would have been paradise on earth.’’
There is a thick bundle of papers in Fiona’s tired hand. One can spy a sheet of paper with the latest request from the aggrieved mother to the Goa police. This time it is for a no-objection certificate to take her teenage daughter Scarlette’s body back to Devon in the UK.
Teenager Scarlette Keeling’s body was found under mysterious circumstances at Anjuna beach on February 18. On that day, Fiona was away at Gokarna in Karnataka. She reached Goa late in the night and was told by the police that her daughter had died of drowning. Convinced of foul play, she demanded justice.
From that day on, Fiona MacKeown has been on the run. She is disillusioned, but not beaten. Her determination has driven her to fight despite the fear of retaliation and cautionary advice from those around. “I want justice for Scarlette, but I was also scared for my other children’s safety. So we shifted from one friend’s house to another every three days,’’ she said.
Now that her children are safe home in Devon, she is a little more relaxed and that much more determined to ensure that the criminals are punished. How has she coped in the last few weeks? She stares down at her hands, lost in thought for a while. Finally, she says, “It has been a difficult time for us.’’ The fear is apparent on her face. “I was naive and guilty of trusting people who played saviour to my daughter, which proved fatal.’’ She continues after a pause, “I don’t feel safe with the police. What if I end up again dealing with the bad police?’’
Unhappy that the police are doing an ossification test on her daughter, she has sent one more letter to IGP Kishen Kumar: “I don’t wish for any further tests to be done on her.’’
2008 Mar 12 Times of India Mumbai
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The tragic story of a daughter’s death has a surprisingly redeeming end. The mother, Fiona MacKeown, 43, wants to come back to Goa and settle here. Why? “The locals, except for few, are very nice and helpful people. They helped me and gave me emotional support when I needed it the most. If the police weren’t corrupt here, then this would have been paradise on earth.’’
There is a thick bundle of papers in Fiona’s tired hand. One can spy a sheet of paper with the latest request from the aggrieved mother to the Goa police. This time it is for a no-objection certificate to take her teenage daughter Scarlette’s body back to Devon in the UK.
Teenager Scarlette Keeling’s body was found under mysterious circumstances at Anjuna beach on February 18. On that day, Fiona was away at Gokarna in Karnataka. She reached Goa late in the night and was told by the police that her daughter had died of drowning. Convinced of foul play, she demanded justice.
From that day on, Fiona MacKeown has been on the run. She is disillusioned, but not beaten. Her determination has driven her to fight despite the fear of retaliation and cautionary advice from those around. “I want justice for Scarlette, but I was also scared for my other children’s safety. So we shifted from one friend’s house to another every three days,’’ she said.
Now that her children are safe home in Devon, she is a little more relaxed and that much more determined to ensure that the criminals are punished. How has she coped in the last few weeks? She stares down at her hands, lost in thought for a while. Finally, she says, “It has been a difficult time for us.’’ The fear is apparent on her face. “I was naive and guilty of trusting people who played saviour to my daughter, which proved fatal.’’ She continues after a pause, “I don’t feel safe with the police. What if I end up again dealing with the bad police?’’
Unhappy that the police are doing an ossification test on her daughter, she has sent one more letter to IGP Kishen Kumar: “I don’t wish for any further tests to be done on her.’’
2008 Mar 12 Times of India Mumbai
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