Fiona gets last opportunity to show cause on Sep 18

Panaji, Sep 12 (UNI) The Goa Child and Women Development Department, designated competent authority under the Children's Act 2003, today gave the last opportunity to Fiona Mackeown, mother of slain British teenager Scarlett Keeling, to show cause as to why action should not be taken against her for violation of provisions of the Act.

Ms Machkeown failed to appear before the Director of the Department, Sanjiv Gadkar, following which the matter was adjourned till September 18. Mr Gadkar noted that action will be taken against her in accordance with law if she failed to respond.

It might be recalled that Utt Goenkara spokesman Advocate Aires Rodrigues had filed the complaint against Ms Machkedwn alleging violation of the provisions of Children's Act.

In his complaint, he said Scarlett Keeling had come to India with her mother, who left the minor girl in the company of one ''Julio'' thinking he would take care of her, while she herself was holidaying in Gokarn along with her friends and other children.

He had further complained that she was fully aware that her daughter Scarlett was a minor and that the law mandates that all children within Goa be provided a safe environment, wherein the parents are responsible to ensure that child is not abused.

Advocate Rodrigues had said that having abandoned her minor child with an unrelated adult male, Ms Machkeown had violated Section 8 (1) (2) and Section 8 (12) of the Goa Children's Act 2003.

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