The Hindu : National : Parliament demands CBI probe into Scarlette murder

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Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008
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Parliament demands CBI probe into Scarlette murder

Sandeep Joshi

Brinda Karat expresses concern over safety of tourists
Tourism Task Force comprising
ex-servicemen
to be set up

NEW DELHI: Expressing concern over growing incidence of violence against foreign tourists, the Parliament on Tuesday demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the killing of British teenager Scarlette Keeling in Goa.

Though Union Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni assured parliamentarians that steps would be taken to ensure the security of tourists, she said her Ministry could not order a CBI inquiry as it was for the State concerned to decide.

Raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Brinda Karat said this was a serious crime and a CBI inquiry should be ordered so that culprits could be brought to justice. She also expressed concern over the negative message such incidents sent about the safety of foreign tourists visiting India and urged Ms. Soni to take steps in coordination with State governments so that tourists could feel more secure.

She also objected to Congress MP Shantaram Naik’s statement that the victim’s family was responsible for the incident and that foreigners should take extra care while sending their children to India.

“What message are you conveying to the world about India? Are you going to issue an advisory that young girls can’t come alone to India?” Ms. Karat said.

Responding to Ms. Karat’s statement, Ms. Soni said her Ministry was monitoring the case and was in touch with the Home Ministry and the Goa government. She announced that the government was planning to deploy ex-servicemen as tourist wardens at centres of tourist attractions in the country.

“In January this year, the Home and Defence ministries have agreed to the constitution of the Tourism Task Force comprising retired Army personnel. A blueprint of the Task Force has been drawn up and sent to the State governments so that it can be put in place soon. It will man monuments and most frequented tourist places like beaches. It will be in addition to the Tourism Police working in 10 States,” she informed the Rajya Sabha.

Ms. Soni also said she had discussed the issue with State secretaries of tourism and with the Home and Defence ministries. “Ensuring security of tourists is of paramount importance,” she said.

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