NCW team to probe Scarlett Keeling murder case

New Delhi, Mar 27 (UNI) Taking suo moto cognisance of the rape and murder of British teenager Scarlett Keeling in Goa last month, the National Commission for Women will send a probe committee to the state on March 29.

The two-member team, led by NCW member Nirmala Venkatesh, will look into the circumstances which led to the death of the 15-year-old girl in Goa's Anjuna beach on February 18.

The Committee shall meet the police officials investigating the case. It will make recommendations and strategies to punish and prevent recurrence of such incidents.

''The inquiry committee will also review the action taken by the District and Police Administration so far,'' an NCW spokesperson said.

The rape and murder of the British teenager prompted criticism of the police for failing to protect her and trying to pass off the murder as a case of drowning.

Relentless efforts by the victim's mother, Fiona Mackeown, who suspected foul play in the death, made police conduct a second autopsy and establish a case of rape and murder.

The police then arrested two persons for drugging, raping and murdering the teenager.

The investigation is now being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation, a demand for which Ms Mackeown had to put up a tough battle.

Meanwhile, the victim's body is being flown back to London where Ms Mackeown is planning to conduct a third autopsy.

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