Scarlett’s death caused by external forces, claims defence

Panaji, Aug 24 (PTI) The final arguments in the chargesheet filed by CBI in connection with the death of Britishteenager Scarlett Keeling began today with defence counselclaiming her death was caused by "external forces". Scarlett’s mother, meanwhile, expressed hope that thejudgement in the case would be pronounced by next week. CBI’s Special Public Prosecutor Ejaz Khan and defencelawyer Marvin D’Souza argued before Goa Children’s Court inthe case where two locals Samsung D’Souza and Placido Carvalhoare facing trial for allegedly drugging, sexually abusing andleaving Scarlett to die on Anjuna beach in 2008. The 16-year-old’s bruised and semi-nude body was found atAnjuna beach, following which the police had claimed it as acase of drowning, but later registered it as culpable homicideafter second autopsy report by doctors from Goa MedicalCollege and Hospital. While defending the accused, D’Souza claimed that theinvestigations have been marred by high pressure diplomaticand media trial and what should have been a normal death bydrowning has been changed to a high profile case. He submitted that "death of Scarlett was caused byexternal forces and not due to the accused". Even as defence claimed contradiction in the statement bywitnesses when the case was moved from Goa Police to CBI, Khanargued that the statement of witnesses remained unchanged whenthe central agency started fresh investigation. Khan argued that injury marks on the body were evidencethat Scarlett had a scuffle with Samsung D’Souza, who was thenworking on the shack, near which her body was found. The defence counsel said the death could have been resultof external forces. The injuries could have been duringshifting of the body from the accident site (beach) to thehospital, he said. The arguments will continue tomorrow as the court said thecase would be heard till Friday. Scarlett’s mother Fiona Mackeown, who was present in thecourt, said she hopes the case concludes by next week. "If it is extended this week, it is fine, but if it isextended for a month, than I would be a bit disturbed becausein month’s time, memories fade. I would like to see itconclude as the final arguments are likely to be finished inthree days," she told PTI outside the court premises here. "That would be enough time. If I can, it is not too muchtime, I would wait for the order. I have a job, I havechildren back home to look after, but I would like to see thefinal order," she further said. The case had grabbed international attention as Britishersused to be the largest number of tourists visiting Goa. PTIRPS GKZMN