Mum won’t take back girl’s body
Calling It Murder, Demands 2nd Autopsy On Brit Teen Found Dead In Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panjim: A disheartened Fiona McKeown, whose minor daughter was found dead under mysterious circumstances at the Anjuna beach in North Goa, has refused to take her teenage daughter’s body home to Devon, UK, till the police conduct a second autopsy. “I am absolutely convinced of foul play in my daughter Scarlette Keeling’s death and want the police to conduct a second autopsy. I suspect that my daughter was sexually abused and assaulted,” said Fiona.
Her suspicions are not baseless as even the autopsy report submitted by the police surgeon states that 15-year-old Scarlette had abrasions on the forehead and eyelids and bruises on both shins which were made with a blunt cousative weapon.
North Goa superintendent of police Bosco George confirmed that he had received the letter and said that he would request a second autopsy. “Meanwhile, we are making arrangements to send the girl’s viscera and smear stride and swabs for forensic tests at the forensic laboratory in Delhi,” he said.
Though the Goa police at first dismissed the British girl’s demise as death due to drowning, they are now examining if her death was homicidal or accidental. “Within two days, we will give a report on whether her death was homicidal or accidental. At present, we are checking on the people who were last seen with the girl,” said SP George.
According to the police, 15-yearold Scarlette was last seen at Lui Café in Govekarwado, Anjuna, in the company of two men—a popular restaurateur and a runner (local drug supplier), both from Anjuna, who were known to her. A waiter at Lui Café confirmed this. “Scarlette was at the café with two locals till about 4 am on February 18. She was in an inebriated state and couldn’t even stand straight. Once we closed the café at 4 am, she left with the two men,” the waiter revealed. At 7.15 in the morning, the police found her semi-naked body floating along the Anjuna beach near Lui Café.
Locals who knew Scarlette find it difficult to believe that she died due to drowning. “Her family members are good swimmers and she wouldn’t have gone into the sea at night, knowing very well the risks of swimming in a rocky area at night,” said Richard Pereira, a local shack owner.
Even as the locals described the girl as a friendly, warm person, they alleged that there was a darker side to her personality. “She was heavily into drugs. She used to pay for the drugs in kind as she had no cash,” a local beach boy revealed. The mother admitted that Scarlette would frequently experiment with charas, but she had never purchased it. “She never had much money and always smoked charas in a group,” the mother said.
Police officials investigating the case said that the family had arrived in Goa on November 22 last year and was regularly seen at a shack named Curlie’s in Dando, Anjuna, which is owned by Anjuna sarpanch Edwin Nunes aka Curlie. “She was friendly with Curlie and his friends Roy and Julio and would go as an escort with customers for the dolphin and crocodile trips that Roy and Julio organised. But she was never paid for the job,” the mother said.
However, Curlie denies personally knowing the girl and her family. Interestingly, there are complaints of alleged illegal activities at Curlie’s which Mapusa police are investigating. “We are keeping a watch on all activities at Curlie’s,” said the DSP of Mapusa, Subhash Goltekar.
The Goa State Commission for Children, shocked at the turn of events, has decided to take up the matter with the state government. “We are studying the matter and we will follow up with the police and the state government,” said Chairperson Uday Ballikar.
The Times of India, March 4, 2008,Times Nation Page 13
Showing posts with label India. Show all posts
Showing posts with label India. Show all posts
Friday, March 07, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
Positively , he’s genius at 7.
Positively , he’s genius at 7.
By Preetu Nair,
Panjim:Seven years old Shambu’s life appears to be no different from the children his age. He is an obedient child , who goes to a Government aided school in the village, eager to learn and understand things. But the similarities end here.Beyond the eight-years child’s lively analytical mind lies a bitter truth.
Shambu was born HIV positive (HIV +ve) . A standard II student , he always stands first in his class and works hard to maintain his rank. But he works even harder to maintain his health . He wakes up early in the morning does yoga for an hour, goes for regular check-ups and has a balanced diet.
“Everyday I have to eat a balanced, nutritious diet to keep my CD4 count in check. Otherwise, I may fall ill and miss school. I want to become a doctor and treat people.” explained Shambu, who was abandoned by his parents. He is now a resident of a home run by an NGO in the state.
There are over 80 children in Goa, who like Shambu, are living with HIV/AIDS in the state. These Children of a greater God are working hard to change their uncertain future. And they are being helped not just by the NGO’s working with HIV positive children but also by community.
Unlike in other states, where HIV positive children were ostracized by parents and their wards in schools, Goa has set a new trend of sorts. “All 10 children in our home go to regular school. Their HIV status is not hidden from the school authorities or parents of other children. But they have never been criticized or stigmatized for being HIV positive. In fact they are being appreciated for their hard work and commitment to study.” Explained Sister Vinita Joseph, in charge of Asro, a home that looks after people living with HIV/AIDS.
Sandeep, a few months older than Shambu is years ahead in maturity and an understanding that leaves kids twice his age bewildered. His memories are few and rare but his experiences bitter.”In the past I used to be scared of injections and hospitalization but not anymore. Now I am used to it and if I miss my class , my friends and teachers help me with the lessons stated Sandeep.
Finally the efforts of Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) , an agency funded by NACO , which has been working towards spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS amongst the community to reduce stigma and prevent new infections , is yielding results.
Dr Dilraj Kaur, Director, GSACS admitted, “Goa has a high literacy rate. Besides the governments commitment to the cause of HIV/AIDS and the community’s effort has helped reduce the stigma related to HIC/AIDS in the state.”
(Article published in Gomantak Times, Panaji edition dated January 5, 2008)
By Preetu Nair,
Panjim:Seven years old Shambu’s life appears to be no different from the children his age. He is an obedient child , who goes to a Government aided school in the village, eager to learn and understand things. But the similarities end here.Beyond the eight-years child’s lively analytical mind lies a bitter truth.
Shambu was born HIV positive (HIV +ve) . A standard II student , he always stands first in his class and works hard to maintain his rank. But he works even harder to maintain his health . He wakes up early in the morning does yoga for an hour, goes for regular check-ups and has a balanced diet.
“Everyday I have to eat a balanced, nutritious diet to keep my CD4 count in check. Otherwise, I may fall ill and miss school. I want to become a doctor and treat people.” explained Shambu, who was abandoned by his parents. He is now a resident of a home run by an NGO in the state.
There are over 80 children in Goa, who like Shambu, are living with HIV/AIDS in the state. These Children of a greater God are working hard to change their uncertain future. And they are being helped not just by the NGO’s working with HIV positive children but also by community.
Unlike in other states, where HIV positive children were ostracized by parents and their wards in schools, Goa has set a new trend of sorts. “All 10 children in our home go to regular school. Their HIV status is not hidden from the school authorities or parents of other children. But they have never been criticized or stigmatized for being HIV positive. In fact they are being appreciated for their hard work and commitment to study.” Explained Sister Vinita Joseph, in charge of Asro, a home that looks after people living with HIV/AIDS.
Sandeep, a few months older than Shambu is years ahead in maturity and an understanding that leaves kids twice his age bewildered. His memories are few and rare but his experiences bitter.”In the past I used to be scared of injections and hospitalization but not anymore. Now I am used to it and if I miss my class , my friends and teachers help me with the lessons stated Sandeep.
Finally the efforts of Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) , an agency funded by NACO , which has been working towards spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS amongst the community to reduce stigma and prevent new infections , is yielding results.
Dr Dilraj Kaur, Director, GSACS admitted, “Goa has a high literacy rate. Besides the governments commitment to the cause of HIV/AIDS and the community’s effort has helped reduce the stigma related to HIC/AIDS in the state.”
(Article published in Gomantak Times, Panaji edition dated January 5, 2008)
Friday, August 17, 2007
RTI helps in revealing illegality in Goa
PANJIM: The stone crushers, which destroyed the lives of Saleli residents forcing them to raise their head in revolt against their khase, were operating illegally in orchard and agricultural zone.
The fact that several metal industries were operating illegally is not new. The villagers were always alleging the same. But now its official: of the 13 stone crushers (metal industries), four were operating in orchard and cultivable zone as per Regional Plan 2001and there are no records available about 5 stone crushers.
Information received from the office of the Senior Town Planner, North Goa District level office of TCP, Mapusa, under the Right to Information Act reveal this. Dr Claude Alvares, Director, The Goa Foundation, had asked information regarding nine stone crushers operating in the village. Dr Alvares is helping Saleli villagers in their fight against stone crushers and quarrying.
While M/s Souparnika Metal Industries (survey no 73/1), M/s Madhav Rameshwar Industries (survey no 62/1 (p)) and M/s Rehamaniya Metal Industries (survey no 75/1(P)) were operating in orchard zone, M/s Shani Metal Industries (survey no 55/0) was existing in the cultivable land as well as on survey no 62/1, which is party orchard and partly cultivable land.
Shockingly, there are no records about the other four metal industries—M/s Kane Metal Industries, M/s Rudrashwar Metal Industries, M/s Parvati Enterprises, M/s Laxmi Metal Industries and M/s Foures Metal Industries, which have been operating in the village. "The details of other industries are not furnished as the same are not available in the Taluka office of Bicholim," said James Mathew, STP and PIO, North Goa District level office of TCP, Mapusa in his reply to Dr Alvares.
Infact, in January 2006, Dr Alvares had brought to the notice of the Deputy Collector and SDM Bicholim that the stone crushers were operating illegally without providing wind-breaking walls and the quarrying operations that feed the stone crushers were operating in the forest area, a zone that doesn't permit such activities. He had also pointed out that the constant dynamiting operations for quarrying was illegal as it is not permitted near settlements and irrigation canals.
However, the metal industries lobby's stand: we are right and operating in the industrial area. Even in their reply in the court of SDM Bicholim they stated that all allegations are baseless and unwarranted. "The quarries are being operated since long by obtaining necessary leases from Mines department," they argued. Some from the metal industries lobby also submitted that the area occupied by the stone crushing units have been converted into "industrial" by the competent authorities.
Now with hard facts glaring at the face of the sanctioning authorities, one just hopes that Saleli residents struggle may finally end with the closure of illegally operating stone crushers.
(An earlier version of the article appeared in Gomantak Times, Panjim,11 August 2007)
The fact that several metal industries were operating illegally is not new. The villagers were always alleging the same. But now its official: of the 13 stone crushers (metal industries), four were operating in orchard and cultivable zone as per Regional Plan 2001and there are no records available about 5 stone crushers.
Information received from the office of the Senior Town Planner, North Goa District level office of TCP, Mapusa, under the Right to Information Act reveal this. Dr Claude Alvares, Director, The Goa Foundation, had asked information regarding nine stone crushers operating in the village. Dr Alvares is helping Saleli villagers in their fight against stone crushers and quarrying.
While M/s Souparnika Metal Industries (survey no 73/1), M/s Madhav Rameshwar Industries (survey no 62/1 (p)) and M/s Rehamaniya Metal Industries (survey no 75/1(P)) were operating in orchard zone, M/s Shani Metal Industries (survey no 55/0) was existing in the cultivable land as well as on survey no 62/1, which is party orchard and partly cultivable land.
Shockingly, there are no records about the other four metal industries—M/s Kane Metal Industries, M/s Rudrashwar Metal Industries, M/s Parvati Enterprises, M/s Laxmi Metal Industries and M/s Foures Metal Industries, which have been operating in the village. "The details of other industries are not furnished as the same are not available in the Taluka office of Bicholim," said James Mathew, STP and PIO, North Goa District level office of TCP, Mapusa in his reply to Dr Alvares.
Infact, in January 2006, Dr Alvares had brought to the notice of the Deputy Collector and SDM Bicholim that the stone crushers were operating illegally without providing wind-breaking walls and the quarrying operations that feed the stone crushers were operating in the forest area, a zone that doesn't permit such activities. He had also pointed out that the constant dynamiting operations for quarrying was illegal as it is not permitted near settlements and irrigation canals.
However, the metal industries lobby's stand: we are right and operating in the industrial area. Even in their reply in the court of SDM Bicholim they stated that all allegations are baseless and unwarranted. "The quarries are being operated since long by obtaining necessary leases from Mines department," they argued. Some from the metal industries lobby also submitted that the area occupied by the stone crushing units have been converted into "industrial" by the competent authorities.
Now with hard facts glaring at the face of the sanctioning authorities, one just hopes that Saleli residents struggle may finally end with the closure of illegally operating stone crushers.
(An earlier version of the article appeared in Gomantak Times, Panjim,11 August 2007)
Friday, August 10, 2007
Justice Delayed: NHRC intervenes
PANJIM: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to DIG Ujjwal Mishra asking him to submit the report about the alleged rape of a girl in Colva and the subsequent delay in registering an FIR within four weeks.
In case of a delay or default to submitthe requisite information /report within 4 weeks from the date of receipt of this notice, then the Commission has warned that they may proceed to take such action as it deems proper.
An intimation/ complaint was send to Chairperson, NHRC on July 6, 2007 by advocate Norma Alvares after reading the story in GT, wherein she stated that the enquiry and investigations appear to have come to a standstill because the accused has high political connections.
It must be recollected that on May 2, victim girl Ritika was allegedly picked up by Agnel and Anthony (both known to her) around 7.30 pm and taken to a flat in Chinchinim in a green coloured Zen, where she was allegedly raped and accused for four days.
DIG Ujjwal Mishra had admitted that they would conduct an inquiry against the Colva police for delay in registering a complaint of rape made by the 21-year-old girl. "It was very wrong on the part of the PI and he should have registered the complaint," Mishra had said.
The victim girl Ritika (name changed) had informed the Colva police about the incident on May 5, but the complaint was registered eight days later after most of the evidence was destroyed. The SP (South) was then instructed to conduct an inquiry and submit a report. "We will take departmental action. There was definitely a delay in registering the complaint," Mishra had added.
Ritika alleged that the police refused to register her complaint and on the contrary tried to broker a compromise between her and the main accused with the help of local MLA Miccky Pacheco.
Norma in her letter to the NHRC expressed fear that the police enquiry into this matter is dormant since, as already demonstrated, the accused is able to bring pressure on the local police and influence the course of justice. Or the investigation, if it is ever conducted, may just be eyewash leaving the girl doubly penalized: first by the abduction and rape and then by the fact that the culprits have gone scot-free, she stated, asking NHRC to order an impartial and independent inquiry into the incident.
The matter was then placed before the Commission on July 2, 2007 and on perusing the complaint the Commission passed an order to issue notice to the concerned authorities calling for a report within four weeks.
(Name of victim girl changed to protect identity)
An earlier version of the story appeared in Gomantak Times, Panjim edition dated August 8th 2007)
In case of a delay or default to submitthe requisite information /report within 4 weeks from the date of receipt of this notice, then the Commission has warned that they may proceed to take such action as it deems proper.
An intimation/ complaint was send to Chairperson, NHRC on July 6, 2007 by advocate Norma Alvares after reading the story in GT, wherein she stated that the enquiry and investigations appear to have come to a standstill because the accused has high political connections.
It must be recollected that on May 2, victim girl Ritika was allegedly picked up by Agnel and Anthony (both known to her) around 7.30 pm and taken to a flat in Chinchinim in a green coloured Zen, where she was allegedly raped and accused for four days.
DIG Ujjwal Mishra had admitted that they would conduct an inquiry against the Colva police for delay in registering a complaint of rape made by the 21-year-old girl. "It was very wrong on the part of the PI and he should have registered the complaint," Mishra had said.
The victim girl Ritika (name changed) had informed the Colva police about the incident on May 5, but the complaint was registered eight days later after most of the evidence was destroyed. The SP (South) was then instructed to conduct an inquiry and submit a report. "We will take departmental action. There was definitely a delay in registering the complaint," Mishra had added.
Ritika alleged that the police refused to register her complaint and on the contrary tried to broker a compromise between her and the main accused with the help of local MLA Miccky Pacheco.
Norma in her letter to the NHRC expressed fear that the police enquiry into this matter is dormant since, as already demonstrated, the accused is able to bring pressure on the local police and influence the course of justice. Or the investigation, if it is ever conducted, may just be eyewash leaving the girl doubly penalized: first by the abduction and rape and then by the fact that the culprits have gone scot-free, she stated, asking NHRC to order an impartial and independent inquiry into the incident.
The matter was then placed before the Commission on July 2, 2007 and on perusing the complaint the Commission passed an order to issue notice to the concerned authorities calling for a report within four weeks.
(Name of victim girl changed to protect identity)
An earlier version of the story appeared in Gomantak Times, Panjim edition dated August 8th 2007)
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