GWCD to launch proceedings against Fiona

Panaji, Oct 11 (UNI) Director of Goa's Women and Child Development Sanjiv Gadkar said he will launch the proceedings against British national Fiona Mackeown, mother of slain teenager Scarlet Keeling, in accordance with law if she does not appear before him on October 15.

Mr Gadkar said Ms Mackeown has been given a final opportunity to appear before him on October 15 and show cause as to why no action should be taken against her under the Children's Act for negligence.

Ms Mackeown did not appear for three earlier scheduled hearings on a complaint filed by NGO Utt Goenkara, which has alleged that she in contravention of the Children's Act left her minor daughter, Scarlett, in the custody of a stranger while she went on holiday at Gokarna in neighbouring Karnataka a day before the latter's mysterious murder.

Scarlett was allegedly drugged and raped before being murdered.

Her bruised body was recovered from Anjuna beach on February 18.

UNI SRN SSS MIR AS2126