Keeling Case: Chief forensic doctor suspended

Panaji,Mar 24(UNI) The Goa government today suspended with immediate effect Dr Silvano Dias Sapeco, professor and head of the Foreisic Medicine at Goa Medical College and Hospital for his alleged ''acts of commission and omission'' in respect of the British teenager Scarlet keeling's rape and murder case.

Confirming this to UNI this evening, Chief Secretary J P Singh, who is also in charge of Home ministry, said the government had already ordered a probe into Dr.Sapeco's conduct in the case.

It might be recalled that NGO-Utt Goenkara-had planned to hold a public meeting at Chappora in North Goa tomorrow demanding his suspension for his alleged ''bungling and grave lapses'' in the autopsy body and his variant remarks on the findings.

The police higherups had also taken serious exception to Dr Sapeco's outbursts before the media and complained to the chief secretary after the three-membered team lead by him lodged a complaint with Mr Singh alleging police non-cooperation.

The NGO spokesperson Aires Rodrigues had on an earlier occasion alleged that the doctor had ''messed up autopsy'' on the body of one Floriano Diniz of Quepem by reporting it as a suicide instead of murder.

UNI/BM/ AKJ RK2204