Mumbai: The CBI on Wednesday chargesheeted two men in
the killing of British teenager Scarlett Keeling in which they were booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder toning down an earlier murder charge.
Samson D'Souza, a barman and Placido Carvalho, an alleged drug dealer, were charged under sections 304 (II) culpable homicide not amounting to murder, 354 (assault) or use of criminal force to a woman with an intent to outrage her modesty), 328 (administrating stupefying drug with an intent
to cause hurt).
The CBI chargesheet was the second in the sensational case which hogged media attention worldwide after it took over investigations from the Goa police which had earlier slapped murder charges on the duo in its chargesheet.
The duo was also charged with destruction of evidence. The CBI was handed over the case following allegations that the Goa police is trying to cover up the case.
The chargesheet was filed before a Children's court in Goa, CBI officials said.
On February 18 last year, 15-year-old Scarlett's bruised and semi-nude body was found at the Anjuna beach in Goa after she was allegedly raped.
Vikram Verma, lawyer for Scarlett's mother Fiona Mackeown's mother, said he was shocked at the two accused not being slapped with murder charge.
"In an application note by the CBI in the High Court they have mentioned Section 302(murder charge) and in a last minute change of stand in the chargesheet filed they have changed it to culpable homicide not amounting to murder," he said.
Fiona said she was "disappointed" at the chargesheet. "It is disgusting," when asked for her response in the accused not being charged with murder or rape.
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