Spanish friend to depose in Scarlett rape case

PANAJI - Slain British teenager Scarlett Keelings Spanish girl-friend and her mother Fiona Mackeown will depose as part of a second batch of witnesses compiled by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), its counsel said.

Speaking to reporters in Panaji Friday, CBI counsel S. Rivonkar said nearly five sets of witnesses had been listed by the agency for the trial which effectively begins April 5 at the Goa Children’s Court located here.

The first set of witnesses have five police officials and local eye witnesses, Rivonkar said.

Fiona and the deceaseds Spanish friend Ruby Caso are part of the second set of witnesses, Rivonkar further said.

We expect Fiona to be present. But Rubys deposition could be done through video conferencing, the lawyer said.

The gory rape and murder of 15-year-old Scarlett Keeling and the subsequent attempts by the Goa police to cover up the murder have been the subject of much international focus.

Two beach shack workers Samson DSouza and Placido Carvalho, were chargesheeted by the CBI in connection with her death.

The CBI has also compiled a list of nearly 72 witnesses, who are likely to be examined in the Goa Childrens Court.