Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Shameful

This refers to the report that the Goa police have arrested two persons in connection with the sexual assault and death of British teenager Scarlette Keeling (March 14). Though one should not prejudge the issue, it is obvious that the conduct of the State government and the local police in the matter was anything but exemplary. The callousness in the manner in which the police went about their task and the government’s insensitivity have diminished their credibility in the eyes of the people. Since the case involves a foreign tourist, the country’s image is at stake.

P. Prasand Thampy,

Thiruvalla

The Goa government’s insensitive response to the teenager’s death is shocking. Chief Minister Digambar Kamat’s reported comment that Scarlette’s mother should have taken care of her, and that of Congress MP Shantaram Naik that young girls should not be left alone on a beach, are appalling to say the least!

There are many poor children in India whose parents are away on various jobs. There are also children who have no parents to take care of them. Does the State have no responsibility towards ensuring their safety? The fact that only a second autopsy — done after a hue and cry was raised from various agencies — revealed the cause of Scarlette’s death speaks volumes about official apathy. Why the police tried to make everyone believe initially that it was death by drowning is a question that needs to be answered by the authorities.

C.N.N. Nair,
Mumbai

It is a shame on the authorities who, instead of getting to the bottom of the case, are pressuring the victim’s mother. Incredible India and athithi devo bhava seem to be just slogans to attract tourists.

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