Goa may consider ordering CBI probe into Keeling's murder

Panaji, Mar 24 (UNI) The Goa government, if necessary, may consider ordering a CBI probe into the alleged rape and murder of British teenager Scarlette Eden Keeling, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat told the state Assembly here today.

''I do not mind ordering a CBI probe into the episode. Let the truth come out,'' he said, while endorsing the views of Home Minister Ravi S Naik on the matter in reply to a debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address to the House.

The government, he said, did not hide any facts in the case but the victim's mother Fiona and some others were trying to defame Goa.

He, however, admitted to some flaws in the investigation of the offence.

Earlier, the Home Minister said the state police was also probing the suspected nexus of the drug trade with some politicians and outstation mediapersons. He, however, did not name them.

Naik said he would consult the home secretary and the director general of police before taking the final decision on the CBI probe to ascertain the facts of the case.

He also blamed a section of the media for creating''hype'' on the case. At the sametime, he rubbished the allegations of the victim's mother Fiona that he, his son and the Director General of Police were in league with the drug cartels.

Naik claimed he was responsible for intensifying vigil on drug peddlers and stopping ''rave parties'' along the beaches ever since he assumed charge as the Home Minister in June last.

He also claimed to have deported more than 100 foreigners who overstayed in the country violating the VISA stipulation. Giving Visas to low-end tourists was creating problems in Goa, he said.

The BJP opposition had earlier suspected foul play by the police and demanded handing over of the case.

It might be recalled that the semi-clad body of Keeling was found on Anjuna beach on February 18 and the viscera report confirmed presence of a cocktail of drugs including marijuana and cocaine with alcohol.

The police had arrested two youth - bartender Samson D'Souza suspected of drugging, raping and leaving her dead in the shallow waters of the sea on the fateful day, besides Cavalho, a drug peddler who reportedly supplied drugs.

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