Travel News, March, 2008

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Scarlett Keeling's murderer arrested in Goa

     Panaji: The Goa police have arrested Samsung D'Souza, 29, a local bar man for the murder of Scarlett who was found dead on Anjuna Beach of Goa last month. "An eyewitness, couple of hours before her death, allegedly saw D'Souza in a compromising position with Scarlett," said Local police. A case of rape has been registered against D'Souza. "Irrespective of whether the sexual act was in consent or not," state Inspector General of Police Kishan Kumar said. But dissatisfied with the police investigation, Scarlett Keeling family members seeking CBI probe into the case. Alleging the local police for not investigating properly, the family's lawyer Vikram Varma said "Scarlett's mother has no faith in Goa police now." Varma alleged that right from the day when the body was found till three days back, the police have been attempting to cover up the case as an accidental death. "We had given in writing to everyone from the police sub inspector to Director General Police (DGP) but no one paid attention. Now how can we trust them?" questioned Varma. Police on Monday said they are investigating the case and would soon be able to execute more arrests. "We are working on the case and subsequently will arrest few more," North Goa Superintendent of Police Bosco George said.

Witness to the murder seeks Foreign Office's help

     London: A British man who has claimed that he saw an Indian barman sexually assaulting Scarlett Keeling less than two hours before the 15-year-old British girl's half-naked body was found on a beach in Goa, has approached the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for help. According to the witness, who asked not to be identified, the attack took place after Scarlett left Lui's bar on Anjuna Beach high on a cocktail of LSD, Ecstasy and cocaine at 5 a.m. on February 18. Goa Police have now confirmed that Scarlett was murdered after a second autopsy, which was insisted upon by her mother, Fiona MacKeown, who refused to accept that her daughter had drowned. The witness said that he fled Goa because he believed that his life was in danger from the alleged assailant and the local police. He has also accused British consular officials of "hanging him out to dry" after he asked for their help and protection. "I'm trying to do the right thing; I want to co-operate," he said. "But I feel that I am in great danger and the British authorities are doing nothing to help me," The Times quoted the witness, as saying. Goa Police has detained three Indian men for questioning, including Luis Coutinho, the owner of Lui's. They are searching for four others. The British witness's testimony could now be crucial, if British consular officials agree to help to arrange a meeting with a top Goan police officer and to escort the witness to the police station to guarantee his safety.
-Mar 10,  2008