A ticking time BOMB?
Goa’s Powers That Be Say We Are Ready For A Terror Attack; Facts Indicate Otherwise
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Goa’s image as a safe destination was shattered in 2000 when a bomb went off near St. Andrew’s Church in Vasco. The blast was allegedly planned by a Bangalore-based group: Deendare-Anjuman, and was part of a series of blasts that had occured in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Bijapur and Maharashtra over a period of 2 to 3 days. Luckily, no one was killed or injured here.
But overnight, the state’s image changed from being a “sleeper cell”— a conduit for arms and a resting place for separatists —to being a very real target, especially with the hordes of British, Israeli and American tourists that flock to Goa during season.
Senior police sources reveal that arms are traded from Kashmir to Goa by Pakistan-based terrorist groups using ‘mules’ (persons, not necessarily terrorists, acting as carriers).
“The weapons are wrapped in carpets along with counterfeit notes and heroin. While the money and drugs are spread through Goa, especially the northern beach stretch, the arms are traded to Southern Indian states and even smuggled to Sri Lanka,” said a top police official. The main threat, he added, is from any organisation that is influenced by the Al-Quaeda.
The arrest of suspected terrorist Tariq Battlo from Margao in late 2006, is a fresh reminder that terror has really come home. Battlo is a member of Pakistanbased Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen. Terror alerts were sounded in 2005 when the threat of Bali-style bombings in Goa led then tourism minister, Wilfred de Souza, to announce an “international intelligence agency” warning of a terrorist strike on foreign tourists here. The threat resurfaced in October 2006 following similar inputs that bars and discotheques frequented by US and British tourists were being targeted on the lines of the Bali bombings. The Bali bombings in 2002 and 2005 killed 221 people. “Any terror attack on Goa would trigger off a panic reaction and the mass exodus could affect Goa’s economy and irreparably damage Goa’s image as a safe tourist destination,” said a top police official.
BOMB SQUADS
1 Comprises 6-8 trained personnel TARGETS
BEACHES: Palolem, Colva, Calangute-Baga MARKETS: Specially season-time, tourist-packed bazaars Airport, Railway stations, Harbour, Oil depots in Vasco
LATEST THREAT
February 2008 - Suspected terrorist Riyazuddin Nasir alias Mohammed Ghouse arrested in Karnataka, said terror activities were planned along Goa’s coastline KHAKI ALERT
General sensitization of all police stations and people, especially in the coastal areas Patrolling in coastal areas upped by almost 50% during tourist season. Staff of India Reserve Battalion used along with 28 police control room vehicles, 24 station vehicles and motorcycles Tenant verification: under section 144 of CrPC, the Collector has made it mandatory to provide for identity of tenants. However, this order has expired Verfication of men working on trawlers and with fishermen Cyber café users asked to give records of customers Those who give vehicles on hire or sell it second hand asked to give details Verifying terror Preetu Nair & Govind Kamat Maad | TNN
Panaji/Margao: Though verifications serve as an important vigilant aspect of police, the fact remains that the details are rarely supplied and often not up to mark. Take the case of terror suspect, Tariq Battlo.
The member of Pakistan-based Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen lived for almost 6 months at a rented place in Margao without inviting any suspicion from the locals before being nabbed in late 2006.
Police records reveal that in 2007, in North Goa there were about 7,500 tenant verifications, 4,494 servant verfications and about 2,247 strangers’ verifications done by beat police. Compare this with the verifications done by the short-staffed force in the south. Only 2,782 tenant verifications, 312 servant verifications and 3419 strangers’ verification were done.
Another problem is that of guests at hotels, lodges and guest houses. “There is no law by which the police can force the guest houses or lodges to take the complete details of their visitors,” said South Goa Superintendent of Police Shekhar Prabhudessai. “There maybe a few instances where people don’t give details of their tenants to the police. In such cases, we write to the Collector and they (landlords) are fined,” added North Goa Superintendent of Police Bosco George.
2008 May 15 Times Of India Goa
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Cops get tough with noise pollution norms
Cops get tough with noise pollution norms
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: With less than two weeks to the end of the season, the North Goa police have decided to come down heavily on not just those who play loud music, but also those who organise it. More than 25 hoteliers and owners of leading entertainment venues were called for a meeting with on Thursday and told in no uncertain terms to shut down music by 10 p.m.
“Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 are here to stay and the tourism industry needs to accept it. No amendment can be made and party organisers have to stop amplified music by 10 p.m,” said North Goa superintendent of police Bosco George.
The police won’t spare even couples celebrating their wedding nor masters of ceremony. “People wouldn’t only be fined for failing to stop amplified music but cases would be registered against the organisers, the persons who let out the premises party, people playing music and the masters of ceremony,” he said.
“Issuing a blanket ban on playing loud music after 10 p.m is not the solution. If the noise is within permissible limits, then it should be allowed,” said Tourism and Travel Association of Goa president Ralph D’Souza. Allan Pinto a popular compere said, “If it is the law, we will be forced to follow it. But more often than not, people bring pressure from politicians and this makes our job as the master of ceremony more difficult.” The tourism industry is also working out new means to continue playing music without noise pollution. Loud music out by 10 pm
Panaji: The North Goa police on Thursday decided to come down heavily on those playing loud music and those who organise it. The police have asked the hoteliers and event organisers to shut down music by 10 p.m.
Though under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 and the Supreme Court directives no one can play loud music after 10 p.m, this law has been continuously violated, thanks to a state machinery that is sympathetic towards tourism and has turned a deaf ear to the protests.
The law is clear that every individual is entitled to eight hours of no noise pollution.The Goa police decision to tighten its act has dampened spirits as outdoor events in the state are invariably accompanied by loud music .There is no consensus though on permissible limits. “A mechanism needs to be in place to measure sound decibels. We are against disturbance but a blanket ban is not the solution,” said Tourism and Travel Association of Goa president Ralph D’Souza.
2008 May 16 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: With less than two weeks to the end of the season, the North Goa police have decided to come down heavily on not just those who play loud music, but also those who organise it. More than 25 hoteliers and owners of leading entertainment venues were called for a meeting with on Thursday and told in no uncertain terms to shut down music by 10 p.m.
“Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 are here to stay and the tourism industry needs to accept it. No amendment can be made and party organisers have to stop amplified music by 10 p.m,” said North Goa superintendent of police Bosco George.
The police won’t spare even couples celebrating their wedding nor masters of ceremony. “People wouldn’t only be fined for failing to stop amplified music but cases would be registered against the organisers, the persons who let out the premises party, people playing music and the masters of ceremony,” he said.
“Issuing a blanket ban on playing loud music after 10 p.m is not the solution. If the noise is within permissible limits, then it should be allowed,” said Tourism and Travel Association of Goa president Ralph D’Souza. Allan Pinto a popular compere said, “If it is the law, we will be forced to follow it. But more often than not, people bring pressure from politicians and this makes our job as the master of ceremony more difficult.” The tourism industry is also working out new means to continue playing music without noise pollution. Loud music out by 10 pm
Panaji: The North Goa police on Thursday decided to come down heavily on those playing loud music and those who organise it. The police have asked the hoteliers and event organisers to shut down music by 10 p.m.
Though under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 and the Supreme Court directives no one can play loud music after 10 p.m, this law has been continuously violated, thanks to a state machinery that is sympathetic towards tourism and has turned a deaf ear to the protests.
The law is clear that every individual is entitled to eight hours of no noise pollution.The Goa police decision to tighten its act has dampened spirits as outdoor events in the state are invariably accompanied by loud music .There is no consensus though on permissible limits. “A mechanism needs to be in place to measure sound decibels. We are against disturbance but a blanket ban is not the solution,” said Tourism and Travel Association of Goa president Ralph D’Souza.
2008 May 16 Times Of India Goa
Double blow for cancer patients
Double blow for cancer patients
Goa Govt Defaults On Mediclaim, Mumbai Hospital Shuns Victims
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: On May 9, when Alan (61) called Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, to fix an appointment with a doctor for his 50-year-old wife who’s suffering from lung cancer, they refused to entertain him saying that they have stopped treating mediclaim patients referred from Goa.
Alan rushed to the directorate of health services, which told him that they have cleared the bills and also gave him a fresh letter stating that his wife should be given the necessary treatment .
Armed with this letter, Alan flew to Mumbai on Friday. On reaching the central government hospital, the authorities refused to treat her. “They told me that the Goa government has so far not paid them about Rs 63 lakh and they wouldn’t be admitting any patient from Goa till the government clears the pending bills,” said Alan.
Meanwhile another patient who had gone to Mumbai around the first week of May was sent back for the same reason. “They told me that they would treat me if I was ready to pay the bills. I tried to reason but in vain,” said Maria D’Souza. Finally, she came back to Goa without treatment.
Cancer is a major worry in Goa at least one person in the state is detected with the disease every day. Every year about 25% of these patients are referred to Tata Memorial. But they are being shown the door at the hospital.
Health authorities accept that there has been a lapse in clearing the bills because of a ‘procedural delay’. “Generally if there is any problem, the patients call us. So far I have not got any such complaints,” said director of health services Dr Rajnanda Dessai.
“If such a thing is happening, it is nothing but red tapism. Cancer patients can’t be denied treatment and if they are being denied treatment by Tata Memorial because we have not cleared the mediclaim bills, that’s not right. I will personally look into the matter and if anyone is found guilty, I will suspend the official responsible for the mess,” said health minister Vishwajit Rane. The government gives a mediclaim of Rs 1.5 lakh to cancer patients.
Tata Memorial director Dr K Dinshaw said, “I am not aware of this and I have no comments to offer.” When told that some officials in Goa admit this is happening, she said, “There’s nothing official about it.”
Patients with leukaemia, in need of bone marrow transplant, requiring high chemotherapy or radiotherapy or those needing a second opinion are referred to Tata Memorial. Goan cancer patients in dilemma at Mumbai
Panaji: Cancer patients from Goa are being denied treatment at Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital as the state government has failed to clear mediclaim dues.
“I didn’t expect this sort of a treatment from the people friendly Goa government.
I am retired and that’s why I am dependent on the government mediclaim, but government authorities shouldn’t play with our lives,” said the husband of a cancer patient who had been denied treatment.
People working towards the treatment of cancer are not impressed with these developments. “This is a total neglect by the government.
Cancer patients can’t wait, any delay is dangerous and they need to be treated immediately.
You can’t play with the life of the people,” said National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication general secretary Dr Shekhar Salkar.
Interestingly, like Tata Memorial, many private hospitals in Goa are also yet to receive mediclaim money, but they have not denied treatment to patients.
Sini Kutty from NUSI hospital said, “It’s been more than two years and nearly Rs 75 to Rs 85 lakh are pending.
We were planning to take a policy decision not to treat mediclaim patients because we are now in a deep financial mess because of this delay. But we decided against it as the patients will suffer.”
Apollo Victor CEO Bismarc Martins said that approximately Rs 1 crore is pending. “If we stop, patients will die, but the government won’t suffer,” said Martins.
“In the last six months we started mediclaim scheme for kidney dialysis and almost Rs 15 lakh mediclaim money is pending,” added Dr Digambar Naik from Vrundavan hospital. The most common forms of cancer detected in Goa are of the head and neck, while incidents of breast cancer are high amongst women.
2008 May 17 Times Of India Goa
Goa Govt Defaults On Mediclaim, Mumbai Hospital Shuns Victims
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: On May 9, when Alan (61) called Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, to fix an appointment with a doctor for his 50-year-old wife who’s suffering from lung cancer, they refused to entertain him saying that they have stopped treating mediclaim patients referred from Goa.
Alan rushed to the directorate of health services, which told him that they have cleared the bills and also gave him a fresh letter stating that his wife should be given the necessary treatment .
Armed with this letter, Alan flew to Mumbai on Friday. On reaching the central government hospital, the authorities refused to treat her. “They told me that the Goa government has so far not paid them about Rs 63 lakh and they wouldn’t be admitting any patient from Goa till the government clears the pending bills,” said Alan.
Meanwhile another patient who had gone to Mumbai around the first week of May was sent back for the same reason. “They told me that they would treat me if I was ready to pay the bills. I tried to reason but in vain,” said Maria D’Souza. Finally, she came back to Goa without treatment.
Cancer is a major worry in Goa at least one person in the state is detected with the disease every day. Every year about 25% of these patients are referred to Tata Memorial. But they are being shown the door at the hospital.
Health authorities accept that there has been a lapse in clearing the bills because of a ‘procedural delay’. “Generally if there is any problem, the patients call us. So far I have not got any such complaints,” said director of health services Dr Rajnanda Dessai.
“If such a thing is happening, it is nothing but red tapism. Cancer patients can’t be denied treatment and if they are being denied treatment by Tata Memorial because we have not cleared the mediclaim bills, that’s not right. I will personally look into the matter and if anyone is found guilty, I will suspend the official responsible for the mess,” said health minister Vishwajit Rane. The government gives a mediclaim of Rs 1.5 lakh to cancer patients.
Tata Memorial director Dr K Dinshaw said, “I am not aware of this and I have no comments to offer.” When told that some officials in Goa admit this is happening, she said, “There’s nothing official about it.”
Patients with leukaemia, in need of bone marrow transplant, requiring high chemotherapy or radiotherapy or those needing a second opinion are referred to Tata Memorial. Goan cancer patients in dilemma at Mumbai
Panaji: Cancer patients from Goa are being denied treatment at Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital as the state government has failed to clear mediclaim dues.
“I didn’t expect this sort of a treatment from the people friendly Goa government.
I am retired and that’s why I am dependent on the government mediclaim, but government authorities shouldn’t play with our lives,” said the husband of a cancer patient who had been denied treatment.
People working towards the treatment of cancer are not impressed with these developments. “This is a total neglect by the government.
Cancer patients can’t wait, any delay is dangerous and they need to be treated immediately.
You can’t play with the life of the people,” said National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication general secretary Dr Shekhar Salkar.
Interestingly, like Tata Memorial, many private hospitals in Goa are also yet to receive mediclaim money, but they have not denied treatment to patients.
Sini Kutty from NUSI hospital said, “It’s been more than two years and nearly Rs 75 to Rs 85 lakh are pending.
We were planning to take a policy decision not to treat mediclaim patients because we are now in a deep financial mess because of this delay. But we decided against it as the patients will suffer.”
Apollo Victor CEO Bismarc Martins said that approximately Rs 1 crore is pending. “If we stop, patients will die, but the government won’t suffer,” said Martins.
“In the last six months we started mediclaim scheme for kidney dialysis and almost Rs 15 lakh mediclaim money is pending,” added Dr Digambar Naik from Vrundavan hospital. The most common forms of cancer detected in Goa are of the head and neck, while incidents of breast cancer are high amongst women.
2008 May 17 Times Of India Goa
Cops bust sex racket of desi Russians
Cops bust sex racket of desi Russians
Preetu Nair | TNN
Calangute: For the first time ever in Goa, the police have busted a racket of Indians duping people by posing as sex workers from Russia, Portugal and other nations.
This came to light when the Calangute police picked up three transsexuals from outside a popular tourist joint in Baga on Friday night. The racket has been continuing for some time now. Police informed that these transsexuals would gyrate in shacks and offer themselves for escort services. Besides the three picked up, there are that many if not more plying their trade in the North Goa belt.
A police officer from Calangute said, “They dance in shacks at Calangute and Baga and also work as commercial sex workers. However, sometimes they even cheat and rob clients.” This is the first time a racket of this sort has been busted in the state.
The stereotype image of hijras—sari clad woman, with hairy arms, hands clapping and gruff voice—has changed. The new age transsexuals or eunuchs, who have gone in for sex change operations, even silicon transplants, pose as sexy ladies and offer their services.
It is not uncommon to see a beautiful, sexy ‘lady’ sway to music on a shack as customers drool over her. The show goes on through the night and in the early morning, the ‘lady’ leaves the shack with the highest paying customer.
Upasna (24) was born a hijra, but in the business she was popular as a Russian escort, dancing in shacks in Calangute and Baga. To survive, she even learnt Russian. “In the world of men and women we are neither. Because we are different, everyone shuns us. So, we find various means to survive,” said Upasna. Transsexuals head for Goa’s coasts
Calangute: Upasna, a transexual who was arrested by the police of Saturday for “moving around in a suspicious manner”, had first come to Goa about seven years back. She was then 16.
By the time she was 19, she found herself out of ‘business’ in Mumbai and shifted base to Goa. “I started working as a bar dancer from the age of 17 in Mumbai. When the government closed down the bars, I was forced to become a prostitute and decided to come to Goa during the tourist season.
As there was a high demand for transsexuals by tourists, I settled down in the state,” said Upasna. She has a large clientele, mostly Indian middle aged men and even elderly foreigners.
“Business is good during the tourist season. The shack owners are fine with us dancing in their premises as it attracts customers. The shacks do good business and we earn,” said her friend Julie (21). At night, Julie pretends to be a Portuguese national and also acts as an escort, partnering men to clubs at Anjuna and Vagator that insist on couple entry.
Sophia from Rishta, an NGO that works to create an awareness about HIV/AIDS amongst transsexuals said, “They are operating in the coastal belt. We are trying to create awareness about HIV/AIDS and also trying to bring about a behavioural change in them.”
The trio were bailed out on Saturday evening after they gave an undertaking of good conduct before the Mapusa sub-divisional magistrate.
2008 May 19 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Calangute: For the first time ever in Goa, the police have busted a racket of Indians duping people by posing as sex workers from Russia, Portugal and other nations.
This came to light when the Calangute police picked up three transsexuals from outside a popular tourist joint in Baga on Friday night. The racket has been continuing for some time now. Police informed that these transsexuals would gyrate in shacks and offer themselves for escort services. Besides the three picked up, there are that many if not more plying their trade in the North Goa belt.
A police officer from Calangute said, “They dance in shacks at Calangute and Baga and also work as commercial sex workers. However, sometimes they even cheat and rob clients.” This is the first time a racket of this sort has been busted in the state.
The stereotype image of hijras—sari clad woman, with hairy arms, hands clapping and gruff voice—has changed. The new age transsexuals or eunuchs, who have gone in for sex change operations, even silicon transplants, pose as sexy ladies and offer their services.
It is not uncommon to see a beautiful, sexy ‘lady’ sway to music on a shack as customers drool over her. The show goes on through the night and in the early morning, the ‘lady’ leaves the shack with the highest paying customer.
Upasna (24) was born a hijra, but in the business she was popular as a Russian escort, dancing in shacks in Calangute and Baga. To survive, she even learnt Russian. “In the world of men and women we are neither. Because we are different, everyone shuns us. So, we find various means to survive,” said Upasna. Transsexuals head for Goa’s coasts
Calangute: Upasna, a transexual who was arrested by the police of Saturday for “moving around in a suspicious manner”, had first come to Goa about seven years back. She was then 16.
By the time she was 19, she found herself out of ‘business’ in Mumbai and shifted base to Goa. “I started working as a bar dancer from the age of 17 in Mumbai. When the government closed down the bars, I was forced to become a prostitute and decided to come to Goa during the tourist season.
As there was a high demand for transsexuals by tourists, I settled down in the state,” said Upasna. She has a large clientele, mostly Indian middle aged men and even elderly foreigners.
“Business is good during the tourist season. The shack owners are fine with us dancing in their premises as it attracts customers. The shacks do good business and we earn,” said her friend Julie (21). At night, Julie pretends to be a Portuguese national and also acts as an escort, partnering men to clubs at Anjuna and Vagator that insist on couple entry.
Sophia from Rishta, an NGO that works to create an awareness about HIV/AIDS amongst transsexuals said, “They are operating in the coastal belt. We are trying to create awareness about HIV/AIDS and also trying to bring about a behavioural change in them.”
The trio were bailed out on Saturday evening after they gave an undertaking of good conduct before the Mapusa sub-divisional magistrate.
2008 May 19 Times Of India Goa
Foreigners can’t retire in India
Foreigners can’t retire in India
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: After spending eight years in Goa, a British couple in their 60s—Mash Barry Sidney and Jenice Mash—decided to make the idyllic coastal state their permanent home after retirement. But it wasn’t to be, as they were told that the Indian law forbids retired foreigners from staying permanently in the country.
“When we applied for extension of stay in India, officials at the Foreigners’ Registration Office (FRO), Panaji, told us we won’t get visa extension as we had sought it for spending our retired life in Goa,” Sidney said, adding, “We were told that it was in line with the instructions of the external affairs ministry.”
Sidney said the FRO got back to him saying, “As per the external affairs ministry’s instructions, foreigners have to spend their retired life in their country and therefore your request isn’t agreed to.” He said the FRO also requested them to immediately leave the country.
This isn’t an isolated case. FRO sources told TOI that every year nearly 3,000 foreigners—including about 800 to 900 from UK alone—staying in Goa, seek extension on their visas. In most cases, foreign nationals seek extension saying they want to spend their retired life in Goa.
“Goa home department rejects the requests citing MEA rules. Our job is to convey this to the applicant,” a senior FRO official said.
Aliens holding land get notices
Panaji: The Enforcement Directorate has served notices to foreigners who have purchased land in Goa and the process of recording their statements is under way.
Additional Collector (North) Swapnil Naik said the government appointed a fourmember committee chaired by Anupam Kishore, Joint Secretary (DEBT Management) Finance, had scrutinized 393 cases of foreigners purchasing properties in Goa. From these the committee had forwarded 298 cases to the Enforcement Directorate in Mumbai. The cases are being investigated for violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act that governs the purchase of property by foreigners in India. ‘It is the MEA instruction’
Panaji: The Foreigners’ Registration Office says foreigners cannnot retire in India and should go back to their countries. it has refused extension of visa to two Britons on this ground. Special secretary (home) Diwan Chand said, “We are acting as per the MEA’s visa manual.”
However, legal experts find government’s explanation unconvincing. “I fail to understand under what provision of Indian or international law can they disallow a retired foreigner from living on in the country, a lawyer,” Vikram Varma said.
Lawyer Jos Peter D’Souza said this was invalid ground to deny extension of stay in India. “Government can’t tell foreigners where they should spend their retired life,” he said.
2008 May 29 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: After spending eight years in Goa, a British couple in their 60s—Mash Barry Sidney and Jenice Mash—decided to make the idyllic coastal state their permanent home after retirement. But it wasn’t to be, as they were told that the Indian law forbids retired foreigners from staying permanently in the country.
“When we applied for extension of stay in India, officials at the Foreigners’ Registration Office (FRO), Panaji, told us we won’t get visa extension as we had sought it for spending our retired life in Goa,” Sidney said, adding, “We were told that it was in line with the instructions of the external affairs ministry.”
Sidney said the FRO got back to him saying, “As per the external affairs ministry’s instructions, foreigners have to spend their retired life in their country and therefore your request isn’t agreed to.” He said the FRO also requested them to immediately leave the country.
This isn’t an isolated case. FRO sources told TOI that every year nearly 3,000 foreigners—including about 800 to 900 from UK alone—staying in Goa, seek extension on their visas. In most cases, foreign nationals seek extension saying they want to spend their retired life in Goa.
“Goa home department rejects the requests citing MEA rules. Our job is to convey this to the applicant,” a senior FRO official said.
Aliens holding land get notices
Panaji: The Enforcement Directorate has served notices to foreigners who have purchased land in Goa and the process of recording their statements is under way.
Additional Collector (North) Swapnil Naik said the government appointed a fourmember committee chaired by Anupam Kishore, Joint Secretary (DEBT Management) Finance, had scrutinized 393 cases of foreigners purchasing properties in Goa. From these the committee had forwarded 298 cases to the Enforcement Directorate in Mumbai. The cases are being investigated for violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act that governs the purchase of property by foreigners in India. ‘It is the MEA instruction’
Panaji: The Foreigners’ Registration Office says foreigners cannnot retire in India and should go back to their countries. it has refused extension of visa to two Britons on this ground. Special secretary (home) Diwan Chand said, “We are acting as per the MEA’s visa manual.”
However, legal experts find government’s explanation unconvincing. “I fail to understand under what provision of Indian or international law can they disallow a retired foreigner from living on in the country, a lawyer,” Vikram Varma said.
Lawyer Jos Peter D’Souza said this was invalid ground to deny extension of stay in India. “Government can’t tell foreigners where they should spend their retired life,” he said.
2008 May 29 Times Of India Goa
Attack on Panaji police today
Attack on Panaji police today
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Panaji police are gearing up to defend themselves from an attack by their Mapusa mates. Information with TOI indicates that the Mapusa cops have prepared a systematic plan of attack against their Panaji counterparts on Saturday. Stones with which to pelt the Panaji police have been assembled and an ambulance is standing in readiness to carry off the injured.
It’s going to be an encounter worth watching and those wishing to witness the war between the men in khaki can do so at the Porvorim police ground, which has been selected as the battlefield.
But it’s a battle from which both sides will walk away from the field with their heads held high.
The rising number of attacks on the police has affected the morale of men in khaki and the North Goa police decided upon a mob control drill for its police officers. For that’s exactly what the fight will be — a drill.
“After the attack on the Panaji police station, we thought we should rethink our handling of a mob. This would help the morale of the police as they would be able to handle the mob and avoid allegations of brutality or helplessness,” said North Goa SP Bosco George.
The exercise will have about 50 policemen each playing the roles of law protectors and rioters. While the mob will pelt stones and attack with sticks, those playing the cops will be garbed in full riot gear consisting shields, lathis, helmets and chest guard to defend themselves. An officer will take charge and direct his juniors in the defence.
The operation focuses on training policemen on how to face a violent mob as well as the rules of engaging a mob. Goan cops to be trained to handle mobs
Panaji: The rising number of attacks on the police has affected the morale of men in khaki and the North Goa police decided upon a mob control drill for its police officers.
The drill focuses on training policemen on how to face a violent mob as well as the rules of engaging a mob, said North Goa SP Bosco George.These rules involve warning the mob, mild charging, using tear gas and firing — not to kill but to disarm.“We are taught this in the police training school, but over the years many of us may have forgotten it,” said SP George.
The issue gains importance due to the alarming increase in mob attacks. This was discussed at weekly police meetings after the attack on the Panaji police station in February by a group led by an MLA.This year there have already been 20 cases of rioting reported in North Goa. Contrast this to they year 2006, when 27 cases were reported. The situation in 2007 was quite bad, with as many as 47 cases of mob attacks reported.
“In the first round, the SDPO Panaji would take on the mob consisting of officers from SDPO Mapusa and in the second round, the SDPO Ponda would take on Porvorim,” said SP George.At the end of the contest, would come the result. Officers from Reserve Battalion, observing the ‘conflict’, would submit their report for the cops to act upon.
2008 May 31 Times Of India Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Panaji police are gearing up to defend themselves from an attack by their Mapusa mates. Information with TOI indicates that the Mapusa cops have prepared a systematic plan of attack against their Panaji counterparts on Saturday. Stones with which to pelt the Panaji police have been assembled and an ambulance is standing in readiness to carry off the injured.
It’s going to be an encounter worth watching and those wishing to witness the war between the men in khaki can do so at the Porvorim police ground, which has been selected as the battlefield.
But it’s a battle from which both sides will walk away from the field with their heads held high.
The rising number of attacks on the police has affected the morale of men in khaki and the North Goa police decided upon a mob control drill for its police officers. For that’s exactly what the fight will be — a drill.
“After the attack on the Panaji police station, we thought we should rethink our handling of a mob. This would help the morale of the police as they would be able to handle the mob and avoid allegations of brutality or helplessness,” said North Goa SP Bosco George.
The exercise will have about 50 policemen each playing the roles of law protectors and rioters. While the mob will pelt stones and attack with sticks, those playing the cops will be garbed in full riot gear consisting shields, lathis, helmets and chest guard to defend themselves. An officer will take charge and direct his juniors in the defence.
The operation focuses on training policemen on how to face a violent mob as well as the rules of engaging a mob. Goan cops to be trained to handle mobs
Panaji: The rising number of attacks on the police has affected the morale of men in khaki and the North Goa police decided upon a mob control drill for its police officers.
The drill focuses on training policemen on how to face a violent mob as well as the rules of engaging a mob, said North Goa SP Bosco George.These rules involve warning the mob, mild charging, using tear gas and firing — not to kill but to disarm.“We are taught this in the police training school, but over the years many of us may have forgotten it,” said SP George.
The issue gains importance due to the alarming increase in mob attacks. This was discussed at weekly police meetings after the attack on the Panaji police station in February by a group led by an MLA.This year there have already been 20 cases of rioting reported in North Goa. Contrast this to they year 2006, when 27 cases were reported. The situation in 2007 was quite bad, with as many as 47 cases of mob attacks reported.
“In the first round, the SDPO Panaji would take on the mob consisting of officers from SDPO Mapusa and in the second round, the SDPO Ponda would take on Porvorim,” said SP George.At the end of the contest, would come the result. Officers from Reserve Battalion, observing the ‘conflict’, would submit their report for the cops to act upon.
2008 May 31 Times Of India Goa
Greens slam Goa’s draft mineral policy
SEEING RED
Greens slam Goa’s draft mineral policy
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The state government is in the process of formulating a ‘Draft Mineral Policy - Goa’ which ostensibly lays stress on protecting the environment and on corporate social responsibility in the mining belt. But NGOs and environmentalists have come out strongly against it.
Government officials are tightlipped on the policy and refused to be drawn into any discussion on it.
“The government, it seems, has silently followed the diktats of the mining lobby and has prepared the draft to please mine owners. It allows mining in the same manner, this time under the garb of uplifting villages as part of social-corporate responsibility,” said environmentalist Ramesh Gauns, who has studied the draft policy. “Without taking into account the ground realities, no draft policy can be prepared,” he added. Saying that the policy had failed to impress, an incensed Gauns added, “This makes a mockery of the villagers and humiliates those affected by mining activity.”
Environmentalist Claude Alvares also showed surprise. “None of us working on environment issues in the mining sector have been contacted for preparing the policy,” he said.
According to Gauns, if the government was serious about its commitment to people, all it had to do was check whether mine owners have been responsibly carrying out mining activities. “Studies conducted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Goa assembly house committee report of 2000 say that mining has destroyed water bodies, paddy fields and created environmental hazards,” said Gauns. CRITICISM GALORE Mineral policy or mining policy?
Panaji: The ‘Draft Mineral Policy - Goa’, which environmentalists are criticising, looks quite harmless on the face of it.
It talks of corporate social responsibility and asks mining companies to provide infrastructure facilities such as drinking water, electricity, transport, telecommunication and health facilities in the areas of their operation. And the state government will share the costs of specific schemes.
However, these tall claims fail to impress environmentalists. “These things have long been on paper but in reality nothing happens. We have heard many such promises that never take off, even as the mine owners, often illegally continue work in complete violation of all laws and policies. It is a policy just to fool poor people,” said environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar.
He added, “The government on one hand talks about protecting wild life sanctuaries and water bodies, but at the same time they along with the mining lobby have destroyed much of it. Two examples of how mining destroys, is of the Kaley river in Sanguem and mountain peak Ravon Dongar in Canacona taluka.”
Criticising the government for bringing a “mineral policy” instead of a “mining policy”, environmentalist Ramesh Gauns said, “Talking about mining would have forced the government to take into account various sectors like environment, water bodies, people’s health and livelihood and whether the area in which the mine is coming up has any sustainability.”
The draft policy (a copy of which is available with TOI), which facilitates planned and systematic exploitation of mineral resources in a sustainable manner, has emerged taking into consideration the views of various stake holders - forest, mines and enviornment departments as well as the mine owners.
The mineral policy suggests that the cess amount collected could be used for the improvement of infrastructure and welfare development in the mining belt, which include health camps, scholarships for the needy, constructing approach roads and projects to increase the socio-economic development of the villages in the mining belt.
The policy states, ‘Water stored in abandoned pits should be used to meet the shortfall of the resource during the lean season and effective care also needs to be taken on dumps which are along side water bodies so as to reduce washoffs. Besides, use of explosives along the rivers should be discouraged, wherever possible and they should be replaced by ripping.’
The draft policy also dwells on proper rehabilitation of the area, once the process of economic extraction of a mine is complete.
The state government also adheres to the view that while it is necessary to earmark mining areas, no prospecting leases should be allotted in wild life sanctuaries and national parks or wetlands.
Besides, an environment management plan is being encouraged to adequately provide for controlling the environmental damage, restoration of mined area and planting of trees.
Greens slam Goa’s draft mineral policy
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The state government is in the process of formulating a ‘Draft Mineral Policy - Goa’ which ostensibly lays stress on protecting the environment and on corporate social responsibility in the mining belt. But NGOs and environmentalists have come out strongly against it.
Government officials are tightlipped on the policy and refused to be drawn into any discussion on it.
“The government, it seems, has silently followed the diktats of the mining lobby and has prepared the draft to please mine owners. It allows mining in the same manner, this time under the garb of uplifting villages as part of social-corporate responsibility,” said environmentalist Ramesh Gauns, who has studied the draft policy. “Without taking into account the ground realities, no draft policy can be prepared,” he added. Saying that the policy had failed to impress, an incensed Gauns added, “This makes a mockery of the villagers and humiliates those affected by mining activity.”
Environmentalist Claude Alvares also showed surprise. “None of us working on environment issues in the mining sector have been contacted for preparing the policy,” he said.
According to Gauns, if the government was serious about its commitment to people, all it had to do was check whether mine owners have been responsibly carrying out mining activities. “Studies conducted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Goa assembly house committee report of 2000 say that mining has destroyed water bodies, paddy fields and created environmental hazards,” said Gauns. CRITICISM GALORE Mineral policy or mining policy?
Panaji: The ‘Draft Mineral Policy - Goa’, which environmentalists are criticising, looks quite harmless on the face of it.
It talks of corporate social responsibility and asks mining companies to provide infrastructure facilities such as drinking water, electricity, transport, telecommunication and health facilities in the areas of their operation. And the state government will share the costs of specific schemes.
However, these tall claims fail to impress environmentalists. “These things have long been on paper but in reality nothing happens. We have heard many such promises that never take off, even as the mine owners, often illegally continue work in complete violation of all laws and policies. It is a policy just to fool poor people,” said environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar.
He added, “The government on one hand talks about protecting wild life sanctuaries and water bodies, but at the same time they along with the mining lobby have destroyed much of it. Two examples of how mining destroys, is of the Kaley river in Sanguem and mountain peak Ravon Dongar in Canacona taluka.”
Criticising the government for bringing a “mineral policy” instead of a “mining policy”, environmentalist Ramesh Gauns said, “Talking about mining would have forced the government to take into account various sectors like environment, water bodies, people’s health and livelihood and whether the area in which the mine is coming up has any sustainability.”
The draft policy (a copy of which is available with TOI), which facilitates planned and systematic exploitation of mineral resources in a sustainable manner, has emerged taking into consideration the views of various stake holders - forest, mines and enviornment departments as well as the mine owners.
The mineral policy suggests that the cess amount collected could be used for the improvement of infrastructure and welfare development in the mining belt, which include health camps, scholarships for the needy, constructing approach roads and projects to increase the socio-economic development of the villages in the mining belt.
The policy states, ‘Water stored in abandoned pits should be used to meet the shortfall of the resource during the lean season and effective care also needs to be taken on dumps which are along side water bodies so as to reduce washoffs. Besides, use of explosives along the rivers should be discouraged, wherever possible and they should be replaced by ripping.’
The draft policy also dwells on proper rehabilitation of the area, once the process of economic extraction of a mine is complete.
The state government also adheres to the view that while it is necessary to earmark mining areas, no prospecting leases should be allotted in wild life sanctuaries and national parks or wetlands.
Besides, an environment management plan is being encouraged to adequately provide for controlling the environmental damage, restoration of mined area and planting of trees.
Spreading cheer through music
Spreading cheer through music
Spreading cheer through music
Preetu Nair discovers that in even in a world of selfishness, there still exist people who go that extra mile to make the lives of others worth living
For the inmates of the home for the aged at Old Goa, it was a day like any other. But it changed when a group of young musicians along with their elderly teacher came to serenade them.
There was live music that evening and when the musicians played the melody of the Konkani hit song, Goddacho Pao senior citizens jumped with joy and joined in the singing and dancing. But the highlight was when Carlos Martin a 101-year old lent his voice to a love song that left the ladies in the room blushing and giggling with joy.
It was an evening that music teacher Antonio Peregrino da Costa and his seven young students will remember for a long, long time.
“You may be depressed or sick but music does have a tremendous therapeutic effect. People nowadays are becoming increasingly materialistic. No one has time for others. Our effort is to bring a smile on the faces of one and all,” said Antonio, who along with his students regularly plays at old age homes and orphanages in the state.
Their fees: a smile on the wrinkled faces which yearn for friendship. “It is lovely entertainment. I love music and it’s fun to get a chance to sing and dance again,” said the aged yet vivacious Martin.
At 76, when Antonio takes to the fiddle the young and old take to the floor. The tall, thin, fair, ever-smiling gentleman, is the local representative of the associated board of the Royal School of Music, London.
Often it is the bleakest of times in one’s life that brings out the best in a person and turns lives around. That is what Antonio would have you believe. Living in Brazil, he lost his wife and came to stay in Goa in 1981.
A musician, he started training young guns to play the violin. When a group of philanthropists asked him if he would like to play music for the aged, his instinctive response was ‘why not’? He had been doing it in Brazil and doing it in his homeland would definitely bring him more joy.
And so began the unique experiment of playing music, along with his students for the pleasure of the aged. “We brighten their day, make them happy and they shower their love and warmth on us. When we play the violin, they dance and sing along with us and create a festive atmosphere,” said Antonio.
Encouraged and humbled by the experience, Antonio and his pupils now play for orphans and spastic children. “Music is pure and through music you can spread love and goodwill. My love for music coupled with my love of people inspires me to do what I am doing,” said Antonio.
He emphatically states that he and his students are not doing anything unique. Probably they are only doing simple things uniquely.
So why does he do this? His answer is simple. “The youth should realize that the adage ‘love your neighbour’, is not just about loving your immediate neighbour but it is loving all and doing something for them, irrespective of caste and class,” said Antonio. So whenever an organizer asks his students and him to play for the underprivileged, they are more than willing to oblige.
And how did he realize the magic of music? Long ago in Portuguese Goa, he had his first brush with possibilities of how music can heal and help connect. “In my youth, I used to go serenading with my friends to woo girls and win the hearts of the elderly on their birthday. It was music that linked us. Music made us happy and with this happiness we could sleep well. We had lived life fully,” said Antonio.
The real difficulty for him lies not at the beginning but at the end, when it is pack-up time and his fingers slowly stop flying across the violin. “The children or aged are never tired. They want to sing and dance throughout the night. They complain that they hardly get a chance to enjoy and have fun,” said Antonio.
But prayers and promises do help. “Before we leave, we always get together to sing a prayer thanking God for his kindness,” added Antonio. This musician, it is clear, aims to be in tune with the rest.
2008 May 19 Times Of India Goa
Spreading cheer through music
Preetu Nair discovers that in even in a world of selfishness, there still exist people who go that extra mile to make the lives of others worth living
For the inmates of the home for the aged at Old Goa, it was a day like any other. But it changed when a group of young musicians along with their elderly teacher came to serenade them.
There was live music that evening and when the musicians played the melody of the Konkani hit song, Goddacho Pao senior citizens jumped with joy and joined in the singing and dancing. But the highlight was when Carlos Martin a 101-year old lent his voice to a love song that left the ladies in the room blushing and giggling with joy.
It was an evening that music teacher Antonio Peregrino da Costa and his seven young students will remember for a long, long time.
“You may be depressed or sick but music does have a tremendous therapeutic effect. People nowadays are becoming increasingly materialistic. No one has time for others. Our effort is to bring a smile on the faces of one and all,” said Antonio, who along with his students regularly plays at old age homes and orphanages in the state.
Their fees: a smile on the wrinkled faces which yearn for friendship. “It is lovely entertainment. I love music and it’s fun to get a chance to sing and dance again,” said the aged yet vivacious Martin.
At 76, when Antonio takes to the fiddle the young and old take to the floor. The tall, thin, fair, ever-smiling gentleman, is the local representative of the associated board of the Royal School of Music, London.
Often it is the bleakest of times in one’s life that brings out the best in a person and turns lives around. That is what Antonio would have you believe. Living in Brazil, he lost his wife and came to stay in Goa in 1981.
A musician, he started training young guns to play the violin. When a group of philanthropists asked him if he would like to play music for the aged, his instinctive response was ‘why not’? He had been doing it in Brazil and doing it in his homeland would definitely bring him more joy.
And so began the unique experiment of playing music, along with his students for the pleasure of the aged. “We brighten their day, make them happy and they shower their love and warmth on us. When we play the violin, they dance and sing along with us and create a festive atmosphere,” said Antonio.
Encouraged and humbled by the experience, Antonio and his pupils now play for orphans and spastic children. “Music is pure and through music you can spread love and goodwill. My love for music coupled with my love of people inspires me to do what I am doing,” said Antonio.
He emphatically states that he and his students are not doing anything unique. Probably they are only doing simple things uniquely.
So why does he do this? His answer is simple. “The youth should realize that the adage ‘love your neighbour’, is not just about loving your immediate neighbour but it is loving all and doing something for them, irrespective of caste and class,” said Antonio. So whenever an organizer asks his students and him to play for the underprivileged, they are more than willing to oblige.
And how did he realize the magic of music? Long ago in Portuguese Goa, he had his first brush with possibilities of how music can heal and help connect. “In my youth, I used to go serenading with my friends to woo girls and win the hearts of the elderly on their birthday. It was music that linked us. Music made us happy and with this happiness we could sleep well. We had lived life fully,” said Antonio.
The real difficulty for him lies not at the beginning but at the end, when it is pack-up time and his fingers slowly stop flying across the violin. “The children or aged are never tired. They want to sing and dance throughout the night. They complain that they hardly get a chance to enjoy and have fun,” said Antonio.
But prayers and promises do help. “Before we leave, we always get together to sing a prayer thanking God for his kindness,” added Antonio. This musician, it is clear, aims to be in tune with the rest.
2008 May 19 Times Of India Goa
Until divorce do us part
Until divorce do us part
From 171 cases in 2006 to 129 divorces in the last 5 months, married couples in Goa are hurtling towards separations faster than you can say ‘I do’, find out Rajeshree Nagarsekar & Preetu Nair
Three days into her marriage, Rohini (name changed on request) decided her husband’s “sexual perversion” and “absurd” requests in bed, were enough reason to end their marriage.
Rudolf on the other hand, had a perfect family and an adjusting wife who never complained if he was drunk or gambled. But all hell broke lose when the missus started working. Unable to cope with a financially independent partner, he filed for divorce as he had found himself another “soul mate”. When the wife refused, the divorce got bitter with him alleging illtreatment by his wife.
Blame it on women’s emancipation, partners staying apart for long periods due to a job abroad, alcoholism related physical and sexual abuse or plain intolerance towards each other, but couples in “unhappy” marriages today are more likely to go to a lawyer, than stay together for the sake of the family, say observers.
“Incidents of divorce are increasing in Goa. The break-up of joint families has only worsened matters. Gone are the days when the in-laws bore the blame for a marriage not working. Now the couple amicably decides to end their marriage legally,” says Margao Judicial Magistrate First Class superintendent M Rodrigues.
Marriage counsellors and social scientists believe that the dependence of increasing number of Goans on foreign jobs is in some ways linked to the increasing number of divorce petitions filed. “Either a husband or wife works abroad, leaving one spouse at home to look after the family. The physical and emotional attachment between the couple decreases, even as proximity with a friend or associate increases. There are several cases where couples seek divorce as they feel cheated by their spouse,” says marriage analyst Dr Sadia Marques.
There is also another problem. “Men often seek weird sexual gratification and women find it difficult to adjust. Even television shows that promote extra-marital relationships have a negative impact and are a main cause for increasing divorce rates,” says activist Auda Viegas. Emotional and physical abuse are other factors.
Physical and mental stress has taken its toll. The inability to cope with mounting pressure leads to communication gap between couples. “The woman’s role must have changed for the world but at home she is still expected to be a traditional wife, donning the cap of a perfect homemaker. Men still refuse to help out at home and this leads to conflicts in marriage,” says advocate Caroline Colaco.
2008 May 30 Times Of India Goa
From 171 cases in 2006 to 129 divorces in the last 5 months, married couples in Goa are hurtling towards separations faster than you can say ‘I do’, find out Rajeshree Nagarsekar & Preetu Nair
Three days into her marriage, Rohini (name changed on request) decided her husband’s “sexual perversion” and “absurd” requests in bed, were enough reason to end their marriage.
Rudolf on the other hand, had a perfect family and an adjusting wife who never complained if he was drunk or gambled. But all hell broke lose when the missus started working. Unable to cope with a financially independent partner, he filed for divorce as he had found himself another “soul mate”. When the wife refused, the divorce got bitter with him alleging illtreatment by his wife.
Blame it on women’s emancipation, partners staying apart for long periods due to a job abroad, alcoholism related physical and sexual abuse or plain intolerance towards each other, but couples in “unhappy” marriages today are more likely to go to a lawyer, than stay together for the sake of the family, say observers.
“Incidents of divorce are increasing in Goa. The break-up of joint families has only worsened matters. Gone are the days when the in-laws bore the blame for a marriage not working. Now the couple amicably decides to end their marriage legally,” says Margao Judicial Magistrate First Class superintendent M Rodrigues.
Marriage counsellors and social scientists believe that the dependence of increasing number of Goans on foreign jobs is in some ways linked to the increasing number of divorce petitions filed. “Either a husband or wife works abroad, leaving one spouse at home to look after the family. The physical and emotional attachment between the couple decreases, even as proximity with a friend or associate increases. There are several cases where couples seek divorce as they feel cheated by their spouse,” says marriage analyst Dr Sadia Marques.
There is also another problem. “Men often seek weird sexual gratification and women find it difficult to adjust. Even television shows that promote extra-marital relationships have a negative impact and are a main cause for increasing divorce rates,” says activist Auda Viegas. Emotional and physical abuse are other factors.
Physical and mental stress has taken its toll. The inability to cope with mounting pressure leads to communication gap between couples. “The woman’s role must have changed for the world but at home she is still expected to be a traditional wife, donning the cap of a perfect homemaker. Men still refuse to help out at home and this leads to conflicts in marriage,” says advocate Caroline Colaco.
2008 May 30 Times Of India Goa
Outsiders can’t spend retired lives in India
Outsiders can’t spend retired lives in India
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: After spending eight years in Goa, a British couple in their 60s—Mash Barry Sidney and Jenice Mash—decided to make the idyllic coastal state their permanent home. But it wasn’t to be, as they were told the Indian law forbids retired foreigners from staying permanently in the country. “When we applied for extension of stay in India, officials at the Foreigners’ Registration Office, Panaji, told us we won’t get visa extension as we had sought it for spending our retired life in Goa,’’ Sidney said, adding, “We were told it was in line with the instructions of the external affairs ministry.’’ Sidney said the FRO told them, “As per the ministry’s instructions, foreigners have to spend their retired life in their country. Your request isn’t agreed to.’’ He said the FRO requested them to leave India.
This isn’t an isolated case. FRO sources told TOI every year 3,000 foreigners staying in Goa, seek visa extension. In most cases, they say they want to spend their retired life in Goa. “Goa home department rejects the requests citing the MEA rules,’’ an FRO official said. Legal experts are unconvinced. “Under what provi-sion of law can they disallow a retired foreigner from living in the country,’’ lawyer Vikram Varma said.
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: After spending eight years in Goa, a British couple in their 60s—Mash Barry Sidney and Jenice Mash—decided to make the idyllic coastal state their permanent home. But it wasn’t to be, as they were told the Indian law forbids retired foreigners from staying permanently in the country. “When we applied for extension of stay in India, officials at the Foreigners’ Registration Office, Panaji, told us we won’t get visa extension as we had sought it for spending our retired life in Goa,’’ Sidney said, adding, “We were told it was in line with the instructions of the external affairs ministry.’’ Sidney said the FRO told them, “As per the ministry’s instructions, foreigners have to spend their retired life in their country. Your request isn’t agreed to.’’ He said the FRO requested them to leave India.
This isn’t an isolated case. FRO sources told TOI every year 3,000 foreigners staying in Goa, seek visa extension. In most cases, they say they want to spend their retired life in Goa. “Goa home department rejects the requests citing the MEA rules,’’ an FRO official said. Legal experts are unconvinced. “Under what provi-sion of law can they disallow a retired foreigner from living in the country,’’ lawyer Vikram Varma said.
‘Scarlett’s vital organs missing’
‘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 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 case: NCW slams Goa police
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
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
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
Doctor alleges cover-up in Scarlett death case
Doctor alleges cover-up in Scarlett death case
Doctor alleges cover-up in Scarlett death case
Hunt On For British Witness; Mother Writes To PM
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa police has issued a lookout notice for British tourist Michael Manyon aka Masala Mike, a key witness in British teenager Scarlett Keeling’s alleged rape and murder. The girl’s mother, Fiona MacKeown, has also written a letter to PM Manmohan Singh, requesting him to take adequate steps to identify and prosecute the drug mafia in Goa.
There’s also trouble for Goa police, which is facing the charge of a cover-up in the probe into Scarlett’s death, with a senior doctor who conducted the first autopsy caught on hidden camera by a TV channel as saying that the cops ignored his observation that the incident could have been a case of homicide. The cops declared Scarlett’s death a murder only after the second autopsy forced by the teen’s mother. 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. A lot now hinges on whether Goa police are able to track down Masala Mike.
Police sources said they believed that Masala had disappeared because the main accused in the case, Samson D’- Souza, had 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 minor girl at the parking lot behind Lui’s Cafe on February 18. The police are also looking for one Murali who according to Shanu Boy in his anticipatory bail application had left Lui Cafe with Scarlett, while Samson and Masala were still there.
‘‘We want to examine Masala first as he has claimed to know many things,’’ said IGP Kishen Kumar. He said the police were in touch with the British high commission in New Delhi and that they had informed him that Masala had contacted them and was very much in the country.
But there’s a twist in the tale. According to the affidavit filed by the police, there were eye-witnesses who had also seen Samson and Masala together with Scarlett a few hours before her death. The affidavit states that the owner of Lui Cafe, Lui, saw Scarlett with Samson and Masala near the bar. This is substantiated by another witness Chandru Chawan. It is also learnt that Samson, on learning that Scarlett was dead, panicked, and there was an argument between him and Masala, during which Masala accused Samson of having done something to the girl. This was overheard by Lui and Chandru.
British eyewitness’s testimony crucial
The testimony of the British eyewitness — who saw Scarlett at the parking lot behind Lui’s shack with a barman, suspected to be Samson D’- Souza, ‘‘on top of her’’ shortly before she was found murdered — could prove crucial. His identity isn’t known, but there are unconfirmed reports that Masala Mike and the tourist who gave graphic details to the correspondent of a London newspaper, are one and the same.
According to the newspaper story, the witness approached the British high commission for help but was told that it couldn’t intervene in a judicial matter; instead, he was given contact details of two lawyers.
According to the report in a London newspaper, the British eyewitness said he saw the teenager for the first time when she fell on the beach in front of Lui’s shack at around 3 am on February 18. She was helped in, where she told the staff that she had no money to pay for a taxi to go home.
The witness says Scarlett told him that she had had three drops of LSD, two Ecstasy pills and cocaine. After talking to him and others in the shack, the witness says she disappeared for around an hour; she went behind the shack where she probably sniffed more cocaine.
Around 4.30 am, one of the men, who the British witness thought worked at the bar, offered Scarlett a lift. She went out with him but he noted another barman (now allegedly Samson) leave as well.
When the Brit stepped out, he saw the man who had offered Scarlett a lift drive away but, he says he saw in the beam of the bike’s headlight a man (allegedly Samson) on top of her. He got on to his own scooter and shouted at the barman but didn’t intervene, because he didn’t hear Scarlett protest. He did not inform cops as he didn’t suspect that she was going to be killed. TNN
Times View
The manner in which the authorities in Goa are dealing with the Scarlett Keeling murder case is shameful. Instead of accepting the failure of the state to follow up the rape and murder of a minor girl, the chief minister and senior police officers 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 Scarlett’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 should not 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 the crime 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.
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Skin=TOI&Daily=
Doctor alleges cover-up in Scarlett death case
Hunt On For British Witness; Mother Writes To PM
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: The Goa police has issued a lookout notice for British tourist Michael Manyon aka Masala Mike, a key witness in British teenager Scarlett Keeling’s alleged rape and murder. The girl’s mother, Fiona MacKeown, has also written a letter to PM Manmohan Singh, requesting him to take adequate steps to identify and prosecute the drug mafia in Goa.
There’s also trouble for Goa police, which is facing the charge of a cover-up in the probe into Scarlett’s death, with a senior doctor who conducted the first autopsy caught on hidden camera by a TV channel as saying that the cops ignored his observation that the incident could have been a case of homicide. The cops declared Scarlett’s death a murder only after the second autopsy forced by the teen’s mother. 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. A lot now hinges on whether Goa police are able to track down Masala Mike.
Police sources said they believed that Masala had disappeared because the main accused in the case, Samson D’- Souza, had 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 minor girl at the parking lot behind Lui’s Cafe on February 18. The police are also looking for one Murali who according to Shanu Boy in his anticipatory bail application had left Lui Cafe with Scarlett, while Samson and Masala were still there.
‘‘We want to examine Masala first as he has claimed to know many things,’’ said IGP Kishen Kumar. He said the police were in touch with the British high commission in New Delhi and that they had informed him that Masala had contacted them and was very much in the country.
But there’s a twist in the tale. According to the affidavit filed by the police, there were eye-witnesses who had also seen Samson and Masala together with Scarlett a few hours before her death. The affidavit states that the owner of Lui Cafe, Lui, saw Scarlett with Samson and Masala near the bar. This is substantiated by another witness Chandru Chawan. It is also learnt that Samson, on learning that Scarlett was dead, panicked, and there was an argument between him and Masala, during which Masala accused Samson of having done something to the girl. This was overheard by Lui and Chandru.
British eyewitness’s testimony crucial
The testimony of the British eyewitness — who saw Scarlett at the parking lot behind Lui’s shack with a barman, suspected to be Samson D’- Souza, ‘‘on top of her’’ shortly before she was found murdered — could prove crucial. His identity isn’t known, but there are unconfirmed reports that Masala Mike and the tourist who gave graphic details to the correspondent of a London newspaper, are one and the same.
According to the newspaper story, the witness approached the British high commission for help but was told that it couldn’t intervene in a judicial matter; instead, he was given contact details of two lawyers.
According to the report in a London newspaper, the British eyewitness said he saw the teenager for the first time when she fell on the beach in front of Lui’s shack at around 3 am on February 18. She was helped in, where she told the staff that she had no money to pay for a taxi to go home.
The witness says Scarlett told him that she had had three drops of LSD, two Ecstasy pills and cocaine. After talking to him and others in the shack, the witness says she disappeared for around an hour; she went behind the shack where she probably sniffed more cocaine.
Around 4.30 am, one of the men, who the British witness thought worked at the bar, offered Scarlett a lift. She went out with him but he noted another barman (now allegedly Samson) leave as well.
When the Brit stepped out, he saw the man who had offered Scarlett a lift drive away but, he says he saw in the beam of the bike’s headlight a man (allegedly Samson) on top of her. He got on to his own scooter and shouted at the barman but didn’t intervene, because he didn’t hear Scarlett protest. He did not inform cops as he didn’t suspect that she was going to be killed. TNN
Times View
The manner in which the authorities in Goa are dealing with the Scarlett Keeling murder case is shameful. Instead of accepting the failure of the state to follow up the rape and murder of a minor girl, the chief minister and senior police officers 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 Scarlett’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 should not 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 the crime 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.
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Skin=TOI&Daily=
Cops blame docs for bungling probe
Cops blame docs for bungling probe
Panaji: Goa police have held one drug dealer Samsong and detained three in connection with Briton Scarlette Keeling’s murder. According to them, the teen was picked up from her friend’s place in Anjuna by two locals and taken to Lui Cafi around 1.30 am where six people allegedly consumed cocaine. Samsong left the place around 4 am with two men, who, cops suspect, were involved in the murder.
The probe into Scarlette’s death kicked off a row after cops initially said it was a case of drowning. It drew criticism from the media and Scarlette’s family, which said she was “raped and murdered’’. The police later ordered a second post-mortem. It changed the course of investigation as the doctors conducting it recommended
the death be investigated as homicide. It said there were 50-odd bruises on her body and many were ante-mortem. “In my heart I knew that she was murdered. I am pleased the second autopsy confirms it,” said Scarlette’s mother Fiona MacKown. Defending themselves, the cops blamed the doctors who conducted the first autopsy.
Tourism minister Francisco X Pacheco has sought the dismissal of Anjuna police sub-inspector Nerlon Albuquerque. Scarlette’s family has also filed a complaint against him for “lying”.
North Goa SP Bosco George has directed SDPO Bicholim Samba Sawant to conduct an inquiry against Albuquerque after MacKown lodged a complaint with him on Saturday.
MacKown also criticised the police for sending four male officers to accompany her to the morgue. She said the police had attempted to remove the body despite her making it clear that a second post-mortem should be conducted. According to her, cops cajoled and convinced her that it was a case of drowning and she must take the body back home quickly. TNN
SCARLETTE’S STORY
Nov 22, 2007: Reaches Goa with mom Fiona
Feb 18, 2008: Seminaked body found on Anjuna beach. First autopsy states death due to drowning
Feb 22: Fiona writes to Goa DGP crying foul play
Feb 23: Writes to Anjuna police alleging bid by the Goa Medical College undertaker to remove the body and take it to Mumbai
Mar 5: Cops decide to carry out 2nd autopsy
Mar 8: A GMC panel of 3 doctors conducts 2nd post-mortem, confirms murder
Mar 9: Cops register case under Section 304 of IPC, arrest Samsong, detain three others
Panaji: Goa police have held one drug dealer Samsong and detained three in connection with Briton Scarlette Keeling’s murder. According to them, the teen was picked up from her friend’s place in Anjuna by two locals and taken to Lui Cafi around 1.30 am where six people allegedly consumed cocaine. Samsong left the place around 4 am with two men, who, cops suspect, were involved in the murder.
The probe into Scarlette’s death kicked off a row after cops initially said it was a case of drowning. It drew criticism from the media and Scarlette’s family, which said she was “raped and murdered’’. The police later ordered a second post-mortem. It changed the course of investigation as the doctors conducting it recommended
the death be investigated as homicide. It said there were 50-odd bruises on her body and many were ante-mortem. “In my heart I knew that she was murdered. I am pleased the second autopsy confirms it,” said Scarlette’s mother Fiona MacKown. Defending themselves, the cops blamed the doctors who conducted the first autopsy.
Tourism minister Francisco X Pacheco has sought the dismissal of Anjuna police sub-inspector Nerlon Albuquerque. Scarlette’s family has also filed a complaint against him for “lying”.
North Goa SP Bosco George has directed SDPO Bicholim Samba Sawant to conduct an inquiry against Albuquerque after MacKown lodged a complaint with him on Saturday.
MacKown also criticised the police for sending four male officers to accompany her to the morgue. She said the police had attempted to remove the body despite her making it clear that a second post-mortem should be conducted. According to her, cops cajoled and convinced her that it was a case of drowning and she must take the body back home quickly. TNN
SCARLETTE’S STORY
Nov 22, 2007: Reaches Goa with mom Fiona
Feb 18, 2008: Seminaked body found on Anjuna beach. First autopsy states death due to drowning
Feb 22: Fiona writes to Goa DGP crying foul play
Feb 23: Writes to Anjuna police alleging bid by the Goa Medical College undertaker to remove the body and take it to Mumbai
Mar 5: Cops decide to carry out 2nd autopsy
Mar 8: A GMC panel of 3 doctors conducts 2nd post-mortem, confirms murder
Mar 9: Cops register case under Section 304 of IPC, arrest Samsong, detain three others
Deadly cocktail of drug trade and police inaction-Foreign Dealers Carve Out Territories On Beaches
Deadly cocktail of drug trade and police inaction
Foreign Dealers Carve Out Territories On Beaches
Panaji: With apologies to Vasco Da Gama, welcome to the tourist paradise that’s now facing a drugs-laced foreign invasion, fatal and much worse than the Portuguese one.
With Goa becoming a haven of drugs, rave and sex, its beaches have become a major market for foreign narcotics dealers. While Russians have taken over the drug business in Morjim and Arambol beaches, Israelis run the show at Vagator. The Scotts trade in Calangute and Baga and the Nigerians and Kenyans dominate Candolim.
The Goans themselves are not too far behind. In the once Hippie heartland of Anjuna, local boys are the main dealers. In 2005, the International Narcotics Control Board, India, had released a list of 248 major drug peddlers in the country, 90% of whom operated in North Goa. A year later, Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes raised the issue and also presented a list of drug dealers in the assembly. But everyone is “untouchable’’ in this sordid nexus between the peddlers, police and locals.
“I fear that soon the international drug lords will fight to gain dominance on Goa’s turf,’’ Fernandes said. But home minister Ravi Naik brushed it aside.
Investigations reveal that every tourist season popular drugs like cocaine, MDMA and ecstasy tablets are imported and sold at trance or rave parties. This year alone, approximately 500 kg of cocaine has been smuggled in by Nigerians and sold to locals by Kenyans. One gram of cocaine costs Rs 3,000 to 4,500. An ecstasy tablet ranges between Rs 400 and Rs 1,000 and a gram of pink and white powder of MDMA costs between Rs 1,000 and Rs 4,000, depending on whether it’s tourist season. The Israelis mainly deal in LSD, which costs about Rs 400 per drop.
The trade involves not just dealers and runners, but also ‘hiders’ and a ‘Mr Fixer’. “While the ‘hider’ hides the drugs for the dealer, ‘Mr Fixer’ coordinates the trade and ensures that it goes on peacefully. While the former gets Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh a month, ‘Mr Fixer’ gets a commission on every matter he sorts out,’’ said a rave party organizer.
A shack owner in Anjuna said the cops protect the trade as they too earn a cut. Interestingly, top cops admit there are some in the force who are complicit in the drug racket, but say they are helpless.
“Every cop and local knows who the drug dealers are and how the mafia runs in North Goa. Yet the Goa police’s Anti-Narcotics Cell seem to go after drug abusers rather than catch dealers,’’ said Fernandes. TNN
Foreign Dealers Carve Out Territories On Beaches
Panaji: With apologies to Vasco Da Gama, welcome to the tourist paradise that’s now facing a drugs-laced foreign invasion, fatal and much worse than the Portuguese one.
With Goa becoming a haven of drugs, rave and sex, its beaches have become a major market for foreign narcotics dealers. While Russians have taken over the drug business in Morjim and Arambol beaches, Israelis run the show at Vagator. The Scotts trade in Calangute and Baga and the Nigerians and Kenyans dominate Candolim.
The Goans themselves are not too far behind. In the once Hippie heartland of Anjuna, local boys are the main dealers. In 2005, the International Narcotics Control Board, India, had released a list of 248 major drug peddlers in the country, 90% of whom operated in North Goa. A year later, Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes raised the issue and also presented a list of drug dealers in the assembly. But everyone is “untouchable’’ in this sordid nexus between the peddlers, police and locals.
“I fear that soon the international drug lords will fight to gain dominance on Goa’s turf,’’ Fernandes said. But home minister Ravi Naik brushed it aside.
Investigations reveal that every tourist season popular drugs like cocaine, MDMA and ecstasy tablets are imported and sold at trance or rave parties. This year alone, approximately 500 kg of cocaine has been smuggled in by Nigerians and sold to locals by Kenyans. One gram of cocaine costs Rs 3,000 to 4,500. An ecstasy tablet ranges between Rs 400 and Rs 1,000 and a gram of pink and white powder of MDMA costs between Rs 1,000 and Rs 4,000, depending on whether it’s tourist season. The Israelis mainly deal in LSD, which costs about Rs 400 per drop.
The trade involves not just dealers and runners, but also ‘hiders’ and a ‘Mr Fixer’. “While the ‘hider’ hides the drugs for the dealer, ‘Mr Fixer’ coordinates the trade and ensures that it goes on peacefully. While the former gets Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh a month, ‘Mr Fixer’ gets a commission on every matter he sorts out,’’ said a rave party organizer.
A shack owner in Anjuna said the cops protect the trade as they too earn a cut. Interestingly, top cops admit there are some in the force who are complicit in the drug racket, but say they are helpless.
“Every cop and local knows who the drug dealers are and how the mafia runs in North Goa. Yet the Goa police’s Anti-Narcotics Cell seem to go after drug abusers rather than catch dealers,’’ said Fernandes. TNN
WAVES OF TRAGEDY BATTER GOA
WAVES OF TRAGEDY BATTER GOA
Crime casts cloud over paradise
12 foreigners die in first two months of ’08
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Goa has always had its share of tourist troubles—from the nudist beaches of the sixties to drug peddling and, more recently, paedophilia rackets. But the spike in murder and rape incidents in the last two months has darkened the mood in this otherwise charming and peaceful coastal state.
Under threat are the beaches. That sandy magnet which attracts solo backpackers, families and young groups from all over the world, has become the site of several unnatural deaths. It has forced the Goa government, which is in a perpetual state of political intrigue, to take a hard look at a scenario where there are five lakh tourists every year and only 68 tourist police personnel for assistance.
In the last two years, more than 126 foreigners have died in Goa. The figures of the Goa police’s Foreigners Branch reveal that 55 died during 2006, 59 in 2007 and 12 in the first two months of 2008. The death of 15-year-old British girl Scarlette Keeling appears to be only the latest in a string of crimes.
A 32-year-old British woman was raped on January 12 allegedly by an unknown person in Panaji.
Two British women were sexually assaulted by the owner of a resort, a Russian woman was attacked by a beach cafe owner in South Goa and a Finnish woman alleged that two local men threatened to rape her at a beach shack.
Two Japanese tourists Urano Asaki and Keigo Yashiki died of drug abuse early this month.
‘‘Sexual harassment in public places is routine, even if you’re with your partner. Men stare at you and pass lewd comments. The police are not at all helpful,’’ said American tourist Dakini Runningbear, who says she was drugged and robbed at Anjuna. But the police say foreign tourists cannot afford to simply point the finger. They allege foreigners have little respect for local values and come to the state only for trance parties.
But others feel that a zero-tolerance approach to drugs is the only way to get rid of the rot. ‘‘Rape and sexual abuse are interlinked with drug abuse. If the government really wants to control this, it needs to seriously take on the local druglords rather than watch helplessly,” said Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Nitin Kunkolienkar.
Crime casts cloud over paradise
12 foreigners die in first two months of ’08
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Goa has always had its share of tourist troubles—from the nudist beaches of the sixties to drug peddling and, more recently, paedophilia rackets. But the spike in murder and rape incidents in the last two months has darkened the mood in this otherwise charming and peaceful coastal state.
Under threat are the beaches. That sandy magnet which attracts solo backpackers, families and young groups from all over the world, has become the site of several unnatural deaths. It has forced the Goa government, which is in a perpetual state of political intrigue, to take a hard look at a scenario where there are five lakh tourists every year and only 68 tourist police personnel for assistance.
In the last two years, more than 126 foreigners have died in Goa. The figures of the Goa police’s Foreigners Branch reveal that 55 died during 2006, 59 in 2007 and 12 in the first two months of 2008. The death of 15-year-old British girl Scarlette Keeling appears to be only the latest in a string of crimes.
A 32-year-old British woman was raped on January 12 allegedly by an unknown person in Panaji.
Two British women were sexually assaulted by the owner of a resort, a Russian woman was attacked by a beach cafe owner in South Goa and a Finnish woman alleged that two local men threatened to rape her at a beach shack.
Two Japanese tourists Urano Asaki and Keigo Yashiki died of drug abuse early this month.
‘‘Sexual harassment in public places is routine, even if you’re with your partner. Men stare at you and pass lewd comments. The police are not at all helpful,’’ said American tourist Dakini Runningbear, who says she was drugged and robbed at Anjuna. But the police say foreign tourists cannot afford to simply point the finger. They allege foreigners have little respect for local values and come to the state only for trance parties.
But others feel that a zero-tolerance approach to drugs is the only way to get rid of the rot. ‘‘Rape and sexual abuse are interlinked with drug abuse. If the government really wants to control this, it needs to seriously take on the local druglords rather than watch helplessly,” said Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Nitin Kunkolienkar.
Drugs, sex ring poison Goa beaches-Local Dealers Lure Poor European Girls to Expand Biz
Drugs, sex ring poison Goa beaches-Local Dealers Lure Poor European Girls to Expand Biz
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: As theories of a drug and sex ring contributing to the death of British teen Scarlette Keeling gained ground, the Goa police on Wednesday went back on their first assumption of death due to drowning and promised a fresh probe.
North Goa SP Bosco George said: “We are connecting the missing links to solve the case. We will be basing our final report on the second autopsy report.” Doctors conducted the second autopsy on Tuesday evening.
Keeling’s mother Fiona McKeown had refused to take back the body of the 15-year-old, found dead on the Anjuna beach on February 18, if the government did not conduct a second autopsy. With the case receiving national attention, CM Digambar Kamat promised to personally look into the matter.
Scarlette used to be seen around Anjuna with a duo believed to be linked to the thriving drugs network. Local people say she was introduced to drugs by the local dealers and once she got hooked, they forced her to pay in kind for her daily fix.
Investigations reveal that just like Scarlette, European girls from working class backgrounds are often lured into the world of drugs in coastal Goa. The modus operandi is to befriend minor girls from poor European homes at trance parties and introduce them to drugs. They pretend to be a friend, who provide food, shelter and money, and the drugs. Once hooked, the girls are not only sexually abused but used for “outsourcing” synthetic drugs abroad.
“Drugs like LSD, cocaine, MDMA and ecstasy are expensive and these girls don’t have money to pay. Once they are addicted, they are willing to do anything,” informed a rave party organizer in Anjuna. At present, one gram of MDMA has a street value here at Rs 2,500, cocaine costs nearly Rs 4,500, ecstasy tablets cost Rs 800 and LSD sells for Rs 400.
Drug abuse is so high that tourists have often been hospitalized due to overdose or consumption of adulterated drugs. Some lose their lives, like Japanese Urano Asaki and Keigo Yashiki, who died of drug abuse last Monday. “In the last tourist season, we treated 37 foreigners who collapsed due to overdose or contaminated drugs. This year the figure has already touched 53,” said Dr Jawaharlal Henriques, who runs a drug rehabilitation centre in Anjuna.
However, Home Minister Ravi Naik stated that there is hardly any drug abuse in Goa and everything is under control. “We have a special Anti Narcotic Cell which looks into this issue and everything is under control. I don’t even know from where Scarlette used to get the drugs,” added Naik.
March 6, 2008 , The Times of India , Times Nation, Page 15
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: As theories of a drug and sex ring contributing to the death of British teen Scarlette Keeling gained ground, the Goa police on Wednesday went back on their first assumption of death due to drowning and promised a fresh probe.
North Goa SP Bosco George said: “We are connecting the missing links to solve the case. We will be basing our final report on the second autopsy report.” Doctors conducted the second autopsy on Tuesday evening.
Keeling’s mother Fiona McKeown had refused to take back the body of the 15-year-old, found dead on the Anjuna beach on February 18, if the government did not conduct a second autopsy. With the case receiving national attention, CM Digambar Kamat promised to personally look into the matter.
Scarlette used to be seen around Anjuna with a duo believed to be linked to the thriving drugs network. Local people say she was introduced to drugs by the local dealers and once she got hooked, they forced her to pay in kind for her daily fix.
Investigations reveal that just like Scarlette, European girls from working class backgrounds are often lured into the world of drugs in coastal Goa. The modus operandi is to befriend minor girls from poor European homes at trance parties and introduce them to drugs. They pretend to be a friend, who provide food, shelter and money, and the drugs. Once hooked, the girls are not only sexually abused but used for “outsourcing” synthetic drugs abroad.
“Drugs like LSD, cocaine, MDMA and ecstasy are expensive and these girls don’t have money to pay. Once they are addicted, they are willing to do anything,” informed a rave party organizer in Anjuna. At present, one gram of MDMA has a street value here at Rs 2,500, cocaine costs nearly Rs 4,500, ecstasy tablets cost Rs 800 and LSD sells for Rs 400.
Drug abuse is so high that tourists have often been hospitalized due to overdose or consumption of adulterated drugs. Some lose their lives, like Japanese Urano Asaki and Keigo Yashiki, who died of drug abuse last Monday. “In the last tourist season, we treated 37 foreigners who collapsed due to overdose or contaminated drugs. This year the figure has already touched 53,” said Dr Jawaharlal Henriques, who runs a drug rehabilitation centre in Anjuna.
However, Home Minister Ravi Naik stated that there is hardly any drug abuse in Goa and everything is under control. “We have a special Anti Narcotic Cell which looks into this issue and everything is under control. I don’t even know from where Scarlette used to get the drugs,” added Naik.
March 6, 2008 , The Times of India , Times Nation, Page 15
Mum won’t take back girl’s body-Calling It Murder, Demands 2nd Autopsy On Brit Teen Found Dead In Goa
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
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
Security agencies under scanner
Security agencies under scanner
Background Verification For Guards
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Irrespective of how well established they are, security agencies in the state will have to queue up for fresh licenses shortly.
The Private Security Agencies Rules 2008 announced in a government gazette is expected to be notified in a week’s time.
It states that all agencies offering security services have to secure a licence from the special secretary (home) who has been appointed as the controlling authority.
In the past such licences were issued by municipal authorities and often led to the mushrooming of fly-bynight agencies which in turn caused “severe security threats”, said top police officials.
Speaking to TOI, controlling authority Diwan Chand said, “Even if the agencies have been doing business they have to take a (new) licence to operate. The fees for issue of licence is Rs 5,000 if operating in one district and Rs 10,000 if operating throughout the state. It is valid for 5 years.”
He added that the licence would be granted only after the district superitendent of police verified the credentials of the agency owners, checked if they possess skills or qualifications to operate an agency and confirmed that the business was not prejudicial to national security or public order.
Under the rules, the background and character of every security guard would also have to be verified by the police within 30 days if the guard is from Goa or 90 days if from outside the state.
All guards including ex-servicemen and former police officers would have to be given classroom and field training.
Apart from basic skills they would be trained in crowd control, identification of improvised explosive devices as well as handling and operation of non-prohibited weapons and firearms.
“We want security agencies to employ duly verified security guards so that they can offer protection rather than become liabilities to the police or threats to society,” said director general of police B S Brar who has been pushing for this notification with the home ministry.
Adding that such checks help to catch criminals guised as security guards and deter guards from indulging in crimes Brar said, “If security personnel are properly trained in handling arms we can even thwart any kind of criminal design, including terrorism.”
He admitted that the police are unaware of the number of private security agencies operating in the state and the skill levels of the guards.
Sources in private security agencies revealed that at present anyone with even a little experience or knowledge of this industry launched a company after securing permission from municipal authorities.
“There are about 20 successful establishments in the state, but 100 small time operators sign up every year along with a few fly-by-night operators,” informed a security agency officer.
He goes on to say that only 10 percent of Goans worked as security guards whereas the majority of them are hired from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Karnataka and Assam. The rules are part of the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act 2005.
What’s in store?
All private security agencies to seek fresh license from government This license is valid for a period of 5 years All private security agencies’ owners and employees to be verified Police have to verify background and character of a person within 30 days if from Goa or 90 days if from outside the state All private security guards would be trained, some in using firearms
2008 Jun 04 Times Of India Goa
Background Verification For Guards
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: Irrespective of how well established they are, security agencies in the state will have to queue up for fresh licenses shortly.
The Private Security Agencies Rules 2008 announced in a government gazette is expected to be notified in a week’s time.
It states that all agencies offering security services have to secure a licence from the special secretary (home) who has been appointed as the controlling authority.
In the past such licences were issued by municipal authorities and often led to the mushrooming of fly-bynight agencies which in turn caused “severe security threats”, said top police officials.
Speaking to TOI, controlling authority Diwan Chand said, “Even if the agencies have been doing business they have to take a (new) licence to operate. The fees for issue of licence is Rs 5,000 if operating in one district and Rs 10,000 if operating throughout the state. It is valid for 5 years.”
He added that the licence would be granted only after the district superitendent of police verified the credentials of the agency owners, checked if they possess skills or qualifications to operate an agency and confirmed that the business was not prejudicial to national security or public order.
Under the rules, the background and character of every security guard would also have to be verified by the police within 30 days if the guard is from Goa or 90 days if from outside the state.
All guards including ex-servicemen and former police officers would have to be given classroom and field training.
Apart from basic skills they would be trained in crowd control, identification of improvised explosive devices as well as handling and operation of non-prohibited weapons and firearms.
“We want security agencies to employ duly verified security guards so that they can offer protection rather than become liabilities to the police or threats to society,” said director general of police B S Brar who has been pushing for this notification with the home ministry.
Adding that such checks help to catch criminals guised as security guards and deter guards from indulging in crimes Brar said, “If security personnel are properly trained in handling arms we can even thwart any kind of criminal design, including terrorism.”
He admitted that the police are unaware of the number of private security agencies operating in the state and the skill levels of the guards.
Sources in private security agencies revealed that at present anyone with even a little experience or knowledge of this industry launched a company after securing permission from municipal authorities.
“There are about 20 successful establishments in the state, but 100 small time operators sign up every year along with a few fly-by-night operators,” informed a security agency officer.
He goes on to say that only 10 percent of Goans worked as security guards whereas the majority of them are hired from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Karnataka and Assam. The rules are part of the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act 2005.
What’s in store?
All private security agencies to seek fresh license from government This license is valid for a period of 5 years All private security agencies’ owners and employees to be verified Police have to verify background and character of a person within 30 days if from Goa or 90 days if from outside the state All private security guards would be trained, some in using firearms
2008 Jun 04 Times Of India Goa
Sunday, May 25, 2008
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
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
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
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
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
Fiona not welcome in Goa: Min
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
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
‘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
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
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Scarlett’s mom to seek police cover from HC
carlett’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
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
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
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
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