Scarlett was murdered: Doc
Autopsy Report Contradicts Police Claim, Fiona Seeks Protection
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: A day after the doctor who had conducted the first autopsy on Scarlett Keeling contradicted Goan cops’ claims that she had been drugged, sexually assaulted and left to drown, the British teenager’s mother, Fiona MacKeown, on Sunday said she would seek police protection from the Goa bench of Bombay high court.
‘‘Besides demanding a CBI probe into my daughter’s death, I may also seek police protection from the court because my life is in danger. Let the court decide what’s best for the case,’’ Fiona said.
She said although she didn’t trust the cops, she was seeking police protection as several people were aware of her whereabouts. ‘‘I’ve been staying at my lawyer Vikram Varma’s house and too many people know that. It could be dangerous for me, Vikram and his family,’’ she said.
Sources said Dr Silvano Sapeco, who had conducted the first autopsy on Scarlett, in a fresh report submitted to the police on Saturday said she hadn’t been over-drugged before being raped but forcibly drowned and murdered. His report said the bruises on her body suggested a struggle.
Fiona, who was criticised for being a negligent mother, said justice was partly done as the fresh report by Dr Sapeco, the head of Goa Medical College’s Forensic Department, vindicated her. But North Goa SP Bosco George said, ‘‘The fresh report has no meaning. The doctor should have made these observations in the first report.’’
‘‘Only when a forensic doctor keeps the cause of death reserved can they give new insights into the cause of death. But in Scarlett’s case, Dr Sapeco had clearly stated that the cause of death was due to drowning. So, he can’t give any new insight as an afterthought,’’ said a senior police officer.
The three-member forensic experts panel headed by Dr E J Rodrigues has written to Goa chief secretary J P Singh, North Goa SP Bosco George, SDM M V Khorjuenkar and GMC Dean Dr V N Jindal alleging lack of cooperation from the police. The letter was sent on March 19, when the police pressured the doctors to conduct an ossification test on Scarlett without Fiona’s nod. This attitude, they said, had hampered the administration of justice.
Fiona also alleged that Goa home minister Ravi Naik and DGP B S Brar were linked to the drug mafia and that they were trying to protect criminals, some of whom were involved in the rape and murder of her minor daughter.
(Article published in The Times of India, New Delhi edition,March 24,2008)
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=CAP&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOI&GZ=T
Monday, March 24, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Fiona to move HC as 1st autopsy doc now cries murder
Fiona to move HC as 1st autopsy doc now cries murder
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: There’s more trouble for the Goa police in the Scarlett Keeling case. The police, who have faced flak for their probe into the death of the British girl, found themselves in a bigger cesspool on Saturday with the three forensic experts who had conducted the second autopsy alleging that they had not received any co-operation from the police.
And, in a startling revelation, Dr Silvano Sapeco, who had conducted the first autopsy on Scarlett, has contradicted the police’s claim that she had been drugged, sexually assaulted and left to drown. Sources said Dr Sapeco, in a fresh report submitted to the police, said Scarlett had not been over-drugged before being raped. He said she was forcibly drowned and murdered. His report also said the bruises on Scarlett’s body suggested a struggle.
Scarlett’s mother Fiona MacKeown has decided to move the Goa bench of the Bombay HC next week. “We are going to the HC to seek a CBI inquiry. I feel cheated and am frustrated with the Goa police. They are more interested in looking into my past than catching the accused,’’ Fiona alleged. New claims have no legal standing
I’m still to read the report. The investigating officer informed me about 6 pm that he had received a fresh forensic report from Dr Sapeco,’’ North Goa SP Bosco George said. However, Dr Sapeco’s new report, which throws fresh insight into Scarlett’s death, has no legal meaning.
“Only when a forensic doctor keeps the cause of the death reserved can they give new insights into the cause of death. But in the case of Scarlett, Dr Sapeco, in his first autopsy report, had clearly stated that the cause of death was due to drowning. So, he can’t give any new insights as an afterthought,’’ said a top police official. The evidently surprised GMC Dean Dr V N Jindal refused to comment on the issue.
Meanwhile, the three-member forensic experts’ panel headed by Dr E J Rodrigues has written to chief secretary J P Singh, north Goa SP Bosco George, SDM M V Khorjuenkar and Dr Jindal alleging lack of co-operation from the police. The letter was sent on March 19, when the police had pressured the doctors to conduct an ossification test on Scarlett without Fiona’s nod. They have complained they had not received any co-operation from the police from the very start of the case. This attitude, they said, had hampered the process of administration of justice. TNN
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panaji: There’s more trouble for the Goa police in the Scarlett Keeling case. The police, who have faced flak for their probe into the death of the British girl, found themselves in a bigger cesspool on Saturday with the three forensic experts who had conducted the second autopsy alleging that they had not received any co-operation from the police.
And, in a startling revelation, Dr Silvano Sapeco, who had conducted the first autopsy on Scarlett, has contradicted the police’s claim that she had been drugged, sexually assaulted and left to drown. Sources said Dr Sapeco, in a fresh report submitted to the police, said Scarlett had not been over-drugged before being raped. He said she was forcibly drowned and murdered. His report also said the bruises on Scarlett’s body suggested a struggle.
Scarlett’s mother Fiona MacKeown has decided to move the Goa bench of the Bombay HC next week. “We are going to the HC to seek a CBI inquiry. I feel cheated and am frustrated with the Goa police. They are more interested in looking into my past than catching the accused,’’ Fiona alleged. New claims have no legal standing
I’m still to read the report. The investigating officer informed me about 6 pm that he had received a fresh forensic report from Dr Sapeco,’’ North Goa SP Bosco George said. However, Dr Sapeco’s new report, which throws fresh insight into Scarlett’s death, has no legal meaning.
“Only when a forensic doctor keeps the cause of the death reserved can they give new insights into the cause of death. But in the case of Scarlett, Dr Sapeco, in his first autopsy report, had clearly stated that the cause of death was due to drowning. So, he can’t give any new insights as an afterthought,’’ said a top police official. The evidently surprised GMC Dean Dr V N Jindal refused to comment on the issue.
Meanwhile, the three-member forensic experts’ panel headed by Dr E J Rodrigues has written to chief secretary J P Singh, north Goa SP Bosco George, SDM M V Khorjuenkar and Dr Jindal alleging lack of co-operation from the police. The letter was sent on March 19, when the police had pressured the doctors to conduct an ossification test on Scarlett without Fiona’s nod. They have complained they had not received any co-operation from the police from the very start of the case. This attitude, they said, had hampered the process of administration of justice. TNN
Friday, March 7, 2008
Mum won’t take back girl’s body-Calling It Murder, Demands 2nd Autopsy On Brit Teen Found Dead In Goa
Mum won’t take back girl’s body
Calling It Murder, Demands 2nd Autopsy On Brit Teen Found Dead In Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panjim: A disheartened Fiona McKeown, whose minor daughter was found dead under mysterious circumstances at the Anjuna beach in North Goa, has refused to take her teenage daughter’s body home to Devon, UK, till the police conduct a second autopsy. “I am absolutely convinced of foul play in my daughter Scarlette Keeling’s death and want the police to conduct a second autopsy. I suspect that my daughter was sexually abused and assaulted,” said Fiona.
Her suspicions are not baseless as even the autopsy report submitted by the police surgeon states that 15-year-old Scarlette had abrasions on the forehead and eyelids and bruises on both shins which were made with a blunt cousative weapon.
North Goa superintendent of police Bosco George confirmed that he had received the letter and said that he would request a second autopsy. “Meanwhile, we are making arrangements to send the girl’s viscera and smear stride and swabs for forensic tests at the forensic laboratory in Delhi,” he said.
Though the Goa police at first dismissed the British girl’s demise as death due to drowning, they are now examining if her death was homicidal or accidental. “Within two days, we will give a report on whether her death was homicidal or accidental. At present, we are checking on the people who were last seen with the girl,” said SP George.
According to the police, 15-yearold Scarlette was last seen at Lui Café in Govekarwado, Anjuna, in the company of two men—a popular restaurateur and a runner (local drug supplier), both from Anjuna, who were known to her. A waiter at Lui Café confirmed this. “Scarlette was at the café with two locals till about 4 am on February 18. She was in an inebriated state and couldn’t even stand straight. Once we closed the café at 4 am, she left with the two men,” the waiter revealed. At 7.15 in the morning, the police found her semi-naked body floating along the Anjuna beach near Lui Café.
Locals who knew Scarlette find it difficult to believe that she died due to drowning. “Her family members are good swimmers and she wouldn’t have gone into the sea at night, knowing very well the risks of swimming in a rocky area at night,” said Richard Pereira, a local shack owner.
Even as the locals described the girl as a friendly, warm person, they alleged that there was a darker side to her personality. “She was heavily into drugs. She used to pay for the drugs in kind as she had no cash,” a local beach boy revealed. The mother admitted that Scarlette would frequently experiment with charas, but she had never purchased it. “She never had much money and always smoked charas in a group,” the mother said.
Police officials investigating the case said that the family had arrived in Goa on November 22 last year and was regularly seen at a shack named Curlie’s in Dando, Anjuna, which is owned by Anjuna sarpanch Edwin Nunes aka Curlie. “She was friendly with Curlie and his friends Roy and Julio and would go as an escort with customers for the dolphin and crocodile trips that Roy and Julio organised. But she was never paid for the job,” the mother said.
However, Curlie denies personally knowing the girl and her family. Interestingly, there are complaints of alleged illegal activities at Curlie’s which Mapusa police are investigating. “We are keeping a watch on all activities at Curlie’s,” said the DSP of Mapusa, Subhash Goltekar.
The Goa State Commission for Children, shocked at the turn of events, has decided to take up the matter with the state government. “We are studying the matter and we will follow up with the police and the state government,” said Chairperson Uday Ballikar.
The Times of India, March 4, 2008,Times Nation Page 13
Calling It Murder, Demands 2nd Autopsy On Brit Teen Found Dead In Goa
Preetu Nair | TNN
Panjim: A disheartened Fiona McKeown, whose minor daughter was found dead under mysterious circumstances at the Anjuna beach in North Goa, has refused to take her teenage daughter’s body home to Devon, UK, till the police conduct a second autopsy. “I am absolutely convinced of foul play in my daughter Scarlette Keeling’s death and want the police to conduct a second autopsy. I suspect that my daughter was sexually abused and assaulted,” said Fiona.
Her suspicions are not baseless as even the autopsy report submitted by the police surgeon states that 15-year-old Scarlette had abrasions on the forehead and eyelids and bruises on both shins which were made with a blunt cousative weapon.
North Goa superintendent of police Bosco George confirmed that he had received the letter and said that he would request a second autopsy. “Meanwhile, we are making arrangements to send the girl’s viscera and smear stride and swabs for forensic tests at the forensic laboratory in Delhi,” he said.
Though the Goa police at first dismissed the British girl’s demise as death due to drowning, they are now examining if her death was homicidal or accidental. “Within two days, we will give a report on whether her death was homicidal or accidental. At present, we are checking on the people who were last seen with the girl,” said SP George.
According to the police, 15-yearold Scarlette was last seen at Lui Café in Govekarwado, Anjuna, in the company of two men—a popular restaurateur and a runner (local drug supplier), both from Anjuna, who were known to her. A waiter at Lui Café confirmed this. “Scarlette was at the café with two locals till about 4 am on February 18. She was in an inebriated state and couldn’t even stand straight. Once we closed the café at 4 am, she left with the two men,” the waiter revealed. At 7.15 in the morning, the police found her semi-naked body floating along the Anjuna beach near Lui Café.
Locals who knew Scarlette find it difficult to believe that she died due to drowning. “Her family members are good swimmers and she wouldn’t have gone into the sea at night, knowing very well the risks of swimming in a rocky area at night,” said Richard Pereira, a local shack owner.
Even as the locals described the girl as a friendly, warm person, they alleged that there was a darker side to her personality. “She was heavily into drugs. She used to pay for the drugs in kind as she had no cash,” a local beach boy revealed. The mother admitted that Scarlette would frequently experiment with charas, but she had never purchased it. “She never had much money and always smoked charas in a group,” the mother said.
Police officials investigating the case said that the family had arrived in Goa on November 22 last year and was regularly seen at a shack named Curlie’s in Dando, Anjuna, which is owned by Anjuna sarpanch Edwin Nunes aka Curlie. “She was friendly with Curlie and his friends Roy and Julio and would go as an escort with customers for the dolphin and crocodile trips that Roy and Julio organised. But she was never paid for the job,” the mother said.
However, Curlie denies personally knowing the girl and her family. Interestingly, there are complaints of alleged illegal activities at Curlie’s which Mapusa police are investigating. “We are keeping a watch on all activities at Curlie’s,” said the DSP of Mapusa, Subhash Goltekar.
The Goa State Commission for Children, shocked at the turn of events, has decided to take up the matter with the state government. “We are studying the matter and we will follow up with the police and the state government,” said Chairperson Uday Ballikar.
The Times of India, March 4, 2008,Times Nation Page 13
Drugs, sex ring poison Goa beaches-Local Dealers Lure Poor European Girls to Expand Biz
Panaji: As theories of a drug and sex ring contributing to the death of British teen Scarlette Keeling gained ground, the Goa police on Wednesday went back on their first assumption of death due to drowning and promised a fresh probe.
North Goa SP Bosco George said: “We are connecting the missing links to solve the case. We will be basing our final report on the second autopsy report.” Doctors conducted the second autopsy on Tuesday evening.
Keeling’s mother Fiona McKeown had refused to take back the body of the 15-year-old, found dead on the Anjuna beach on February 18, if the government did not conduct a second autopsy. With the case receiving national attention, CM Digambar Kamat promised to personally look into the matter.
Scarlette used to be seen around Anjuna with a duo believed to be linked to the thriving drugs network. Local people say she was introduced to drugs by the local dealers and once she got hooked, they forced her to pay in kind for her daily fix.
Investigations reveal that just like Scarlette, European girls from working class backgrounds are often lured into the world of drugs in coastal Goa. The modus operandi is to befriend minor girls from poor European homes at trance parties and introduce them to drugs. They pretend to be a friend, who provide food, shelter and money, and the drugs. Once hooked, the girls are not only sexually abused but used for “outsourcing” synthetic drugs abroad.
“Drugs like LSD, cocaine, MDMA and ecstasy are expensive and these girls don’t have money to pay. Once they are addicted, they are willing to do anything,” informed a rave party organizer in Anjuna. At present, one gram of MDMA has a street value here at Rs 2,500, cocaine costs nearly Rs 4,500, ecstasy tablets cost Rs 800 and LSD sells for Rs 400.
Drug abuse is so high that tourists have often been hospitalized due to overdose or consumption of adulterated drugs. Some lose their lives, like Japanese Urano Asaki and Keigo Yashiki, who died of drug abuse last Monday. “In the last tourist season, we treated 37 foreigners who collapsed due to overdose or contaminated drugs. This year the figure has already touched 53,” said Dr Jawaharlal Henriques, who runs a drug rehabilitation centre in Anjuna.
However, Home Minister Ravi Naik stated that there is hardly any drug abuse in Goa and everything is under control. “We have a special Anti Narcotic Cell which looks into this issue and everything is under control. I don’t even know from where Scarlette used to get the drugs,” added Naik.
March 6, 2008 , The Times of India , Times Nation, Page 15
North Goa SP Bosco George said: “We are connecting the missing links to solve the case. We will be basing our final report on the second autopsy report.” Doctors conducted the second autopsy on Tuesday evening.
Keeling’s mother Fiona McKeown had refused to take back the body of the 15-year-old, found dead on the Anjuna beach on February 18, if the government did not conduct a second autopsy. With the case receiving national attention, CM Digambar Kamat promised to personally look into the matter.
Scarlette used to be seen around Anjuna with a duo believed to be linked to the thriving drugs network. Local people say she was introduced to drugs by the local dealers and once she got hooked, they forced her to pay in kind for her daily fix.
Investigations reveal that just like Scarlette, European girls from working class backgrounds are often lured into the world of drugs in coastal Goa. The modus operandi is to befriend minor girls from poor European homes at trance parties and introduce them to drugs. They pretend to be a friend, who provide food, shelter and money, and the drugs. Once hooked, the girls are not only sexually abused but used for “outsourcing” synthetic drugs abroad.
“Drugs like LSD, cocaine, MDMA and ecstasy are expensive and these girls don’t have money to pay. Once they are addicted, they are willing to do anything,” informed a rave party organizer in Anjuna. At present, one gram of MDMA has a street value here at Rs 2,500, cocaine costs nearly Rs 4,500, ecstasy tablets cost Rs 800 and LSD sells for Rs 400.
Drug abuse is so high that tourists have often been hospitalized due to overdose or consumption of adulterated drugs. Some lose their lives, like Japanese Urano Asaki and Keigo Yashiki, who died of drug abuse last Monday. “In the last tourist season, we treated 37 foreigners who collapsed due to overdose or contaminated drugs. This year the figure has already touched 53,” said Dr Jawaharlal Henriques, who runs a drug rehabilitation centre in Anjuna.
However, Home Minister Ravi Naik stated that there is hardly any drug abuse in Goa and everything is under control. “We have a special Anti Narcotic Cell which looks into this issue and everything is under control. I don’t even know from where Scarlette used to get the drugs,” added Naik.
March 6, 2008 , The Times of India , Times Nation, Page 15
Monday, January 14, 2008
Positively , he’s genius at 7.
Positively , he’s genius at 7.
By Preetu Nair,
Panjim:Seven years old Shambu’s life appears to be no different from the children his age. He is an obedient child , who goes to a Government aided school in the village, eager to learn and understand things. But the similarities end here.Beyond the eight-years child’s lively analytical mind lies a bitter truth.
Shambu was born HIV positive (HIV +ve) . A standard II student , he always stands first in his class and works hard to maintain his rank. But he works even harder to maintain his health . He wakes up early in the morning does yoga for an hour, goes for regular check-ups and has a balanced diet.
“Everyday I have to eat a balanced, nutritious diet to keep my CD4 count in check. Otherwise, I may fall ill and miss school. I want to become a doctor and treat people.” explained Shambu, who was abandoned by his parents. He is now a resident of a home run by an NGO in the state.
There are over 80 children in Goa, who like Shambu, are living with HIV/AIDS in the state. These Children of a greater God are working hard to change their uncertain future. And they are being helped not just by the NGO’s working with HIV positive children but also by community.
Unlike in other states, where HIV positive children were ostracized by parents and their wards in schools, Goa has set a new trend of sorts. “All 10 children in our home go to regular school. Their HIV status is not hidden from the school authorities or parents of other children. But they have never been criticized or stigmatized for being HIV positive. In fact they are being appreciated for their hard work and commitment to study.” Explained Sister Vinita Joseph, in charge of Asro, a home that looks after people living with HIV/AIDS.
Sandeep, a few months older than Shambu is years ahead in maturity and an understanding that leaves kids twice his age bewildered. His memories are few and rare but his experiences bitter.”In the past I used to be scared of injections and hospitalization but not anymore. Now I am used to it and if I miss my class , my friends and teachers help me with the lessons stated Sandeep.
Finally the efforts of Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) , an agency funded by NACO , which has been working towards spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS amongst the community to reduce stigma and prevent new infections , is yielding results.
Dr Dilraj Kaur, Director, GSACS admitted, “Goa has a high literacy rate. Besides the governments commitment to the cause of HIV/AIDS and the community’s effort has helped reduce the stigma related to HIC/AIDS in the state.”
(Article published in Gomantak Times, Panaji edition dated January 5, 2008)
By Preetu Nair,
Panjim:Seven years old Shambu’s life appears to be no different from the children his age. He is an obedient child , who goes to a Government aided school in the village, eager to learn and understand things. But the similarities end here.Beyond the eight-years child’s lively analytical mind lies a bitter truth.
Shambu was born HIV positive (HIV +ve) . A standard II student , he always stands first in his class and works hard to maintain his rank. But he works even harder to maintain his health . He wakes up early in the morning does yoga for an hour, goes for regular check-ups and has a balanced diet.
“Everyday I have to eat a balanced, nutritious diet to keep my CD4 count in check. Otherwise, I may fall ill and miss school. I want to become a doctor and treat people.” explained Shambu, who was abandoned by his parents. He is now a resident of a home run by an NGO in the state.
There are over 80 children in Goa, who like Shambu, are living with HIV/AIDS in the state. These Children of a greater God are working hard to change their uncertain future. And they are being helped not just by the NGO’s working with HIV positive children but also by community.
Unlike in other states, where HIV positive children were ostracized by parents and their wards in schools, Goa has set a new trend of sorts. “All 10 children in our home go to regular school. Their HIV status is not hidden from the school authorities or parents of other children. But they have never been criticized or stigmatized for being HIV positive. In fact they are being appreciated for their hard work and commitment to study.” Explained Sister Vinita Joseph, in charge of Asro, a home that looks after people living with HIV/AIDS.
Sandeep, a few months older than Shambu is years ahead in maturity and an understanding that leaves kids twice his age bewildered. His memories are few and rare but his experiences bitter.”In the past I used to be scared of injections and hospitalization but not anymore. Now I am used to it and if I miss my class , my friends and teachers help me with the lessons stated Sandeep.
Finally the efforts of Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) , an agency funded by NACO , which has been working towards spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS amongst the community to reduce stigma and prevent new infections , is yielding results.
Dr Dilraj Kaur, Director, GSACS admitted, “Goa has a high literacy rate. Besides the governments commitment to the cause of HIV/AIDS and the community’s effort has helped reduce the stigma related to HIC/AIDS in the state.”
(Article published in Gomantak Times, Panaji edition dated January 5, 2008)
Rane Jr ‘nurses’ his wound after the ‘labour’ pain
Rane Jr ‘nurses’ his wound after the ‘labour’ pain
By Preetu Nair
Panjim: A nurse at Goa Medical College was suspended on Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane’s instruction because she did her duty.
However, as the matter threatened to blow out of proportion, she was reinstated back by the same minister. The nurse, Simran, was on duty in the labour room on Thursday, 27 December,2007 and was busy with a delivery process, when a man who wanted to enter the labour room to be with his better half . But as he was denied entry into the labour room, lest the rest of the expecting mothers feel uncomfortable, he allegedly called up Health Minister Rane and complained against the nurse.
Rane demanded to talk to the nurse and the man handed the mobile to the nurse stating ‘Baba’ as Rane is popularly known to his supporters wants to talk to you. But Sister Simran refused to talk to ‘Baba’ stating everyday they deliver-babas in GMC. This allegedly angered the Health minister who rushed to the hospital and fired the nurse for misbehaving and refusing to attend the phone call. Infuriated, he instructed the GMC Dean, Dr. V.N. Jindal to suspend the nurse.
So, Dr. Jindal issued the nurse’s suspension order stating,” As per the instructions of the Health Minister, you are suspended.” Upset, Simran approached the GGEA (Goa Government Employees Association) stating that she was wrongly suspended. Ganesh Chodankar, Secretary confirmed this.
Chodankar said, “She was not at fault.Simran was just doing her duty and she cannot be suspended for doing her duty in fact , this time the Health Minister is at fault because he cannot directly call a nurse on duty to issue directions. He has to call the Dean and the Dean has to issue directions to the nurses.”
The Association decided to take up her matter with the Dean on Friday afternoon, 28 December,2007. But they did not have to make any efforts , as the Dean on Friday morning issued another note to Simran. This time the note read, “As per the instructions of the Health Minister, the suspension order is revoked.”
Despite several repeated attempts , GT could not contact Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane for his comments. When contacted, Dr Jindal Dean, GMC said , “The matter has been sorted out”.
“To err is human , there was some misunderstandings but it is now sorted out . It is not a major issue,” added Neelima Rane, President , Trained Nurses Association.
(This article appeared in Gomantak Times, Panaji edition dated January 2, 2008)
By Preetu Nair
Panjim: A nurse at Goa Medical College was suspended on Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane’s instruction because she did her duty.
However, as the matter threatened to blow out of proportion, she was reinstated back by the same minister. The nurse, Simran, was on duty in the labour room on Thursday, 27 December,2007 and was busy with a delivery process, when a man who wanted to enter the labour room to be with his better half . But as he was denied entry into the labour room, lest the rest of the expecting mothers feel uncomfortable, he allegedly called up Health Minister Rane and complained against the nurse.
Rane demanded to talk to the nurse and the man handed the mobile to the nurse stating ‘Baba’ as Rane is popularly known to his supporters wants to talk to you. But Sister Simran refused to talk to ‘Baba’ stating everyday they deliver-babas in GMC. This allegedly angered the Health minister who rushed to the hospital and fired the nurse for misbehaving and refusing to attend the phone call. Infuriated, he instructed the GMC Dean, Dr. V.N. Jindal to suspend the nurse.
So, Dr. Jindal issued the nurse’s suspension order stating,” As per the instructions of the Health Minister, you are suspended.” Upset, Simran approached the GGEA (Goa Government Employees Association) stating that she was wrongly suspended. Ganesh Chodankar, Secretary confirmed this.
Chodankar said, “She was not at fault.Simran was just doing her duty and she cannot be suspended for doing her duty in fact , this time the Health Minister is at fault because he cannot directly call a nurse on duty to issue directions. He has to call the Dean and the Dean has to issue directions to the nurses.”
The Association decided to take up her matter with the Dean on Friday afternoon, 28 December,2007. But they did not have to make any efforts , as the Dean on Friday morning issued another note to Simran. This time the note read, “As per the instructions of the Health Minister, the suspension order is revoked.”
Despite several repeated attempts , GT could not contact Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane for his comments. When contacted, Dr Jindal Dean, GMC said , “The matter has been sorted out”.
“To err is human , there was some misunderstandings but it is now sorted out . It is not a major issue,” added Neelima Rane, President , Trained Nurses Association.
(This article appeared in Gomantak Times, Panaji edition dated January 2, 2008)
Govt SEZ no, but can they?
Govt SEZ no, but can they?
Legal fraternity foresees obstacles for Digambar ‘sarkar’
By Preetu Nair
Panjim: The state Government may have announced the scrapping of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in its “existing form” with immediate effect, but the going for the state may not be smooth before it hits a legal hurdle in a bid to conform to its New Year resolution.
Legal experts opine that the state government cannot decide to scrap especially the ones which have obtained permission and have already started work on developing the infrastructure. But yes, if the infrastructure is not set up or no third party rights granted, the Central government may honour the states views and recommendations.
In other words, the state government may request not to process the applications of the SEZs which have so far not obtained permissions. Meanwhile with regards to the 3 SEZs that have already been granted permissions, the state government can only request the Central government to denotify it.
According to Advocate General Subodh Kantak, “ The state government’s role is only to make recommendation to the Central governement’s Board of Approval to denotify the SEZs . It is not possible for state government to denotify it but it for the Central government to decide”. Experts agree that the government has a right to change it policies but then they cannot leave investors in the lurch and investors would have to be adequately compensated.
Another interesting argument that the lawyers put forth is that if the state government decides to scrap SEZs due to popular public opinion , then they will have to give convincing reasons to the Central government for the same.
Scrapping of SEZs , which have got permission and already started work relying on people’s apprehension may just not be easy, they add.
Nitin Sardessai, who is the counsel for Meditab , which is developing SEZ in Keri , reacting to the media reports that the state government has decided to scrap SEZs in the state said , “The government at its highest can give its recommendations to the Central government that it does not need SEZ in Goa .But this recommendation governs the future of the projects which have not got permissions and the not the ones, which have all permissions like Meditab. In the present SEZ policy , there is no clause to denotify the SEZ which have been granted permission”.
Interestingly, former Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane in his letter to Union Minister of Commerce Kamal Nath has said, “The setting up of SEZ is going to benefit the State of Goa economically as well as help in creating huge employment opportunities.” This letter was sent on December 21,2006. Now a year later , the state government would have to definitely give a strong reason to the Central Government explaining why they are baking out.
“Whether to have SEZs or not is a policy decision, in which courts, have no role to play . But if the question of promissory estopel arises, then the court may look into it. Promissory estopel (equitable estopel) applies when any state government or any agency of the state government comes out with a representation /promise and an individual sets up an industry , then they cannot go back on it.
(Article published in Gomantak Times, Panaji edition dated January 2, 2008 )
Legal fraternity foresees obstacles for Digambar ‘sarkar’
By Preetu Nair
Panjim: The state Government may have announced the scrapping of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in its “existing form” with immediate effect, but the going for the state may not be smooth before it hits a legal hurdle in a bid to conform to its New Year resolution.
Legal experts opine that the state government cannot decide to scrap especially the ones which have obtained permission and have already started work on developing the infrastructure. But yes, if the infrastructure is not set up or no third party rights granted, the Central government may honour the states views and recommendations.
In other words, the state government may request not to process the applications of the SEZs which have so far not obtained permissions. Meanwhile with regards to the 3 SEZs that have already been granted permissions, the state government can only request the Central government to denotify it.
According to Advocate General Subodh Kantak, “ The state government’s role is only to make recommendation to the Central governement’s Board of Approval to denotify the SEZs . It is not possible for state government to denotify it but it for the Central government to decide”. Experts agree that the government has a right to change it policies but then they cannot leave investors in the lurch and investors would have to be adequately compensated.
Another interesting argument that the lawyers put forth is that if the state government decides to scrap SEZs due to popular public opinion , then they will have to give convincing reasons to the Central government for the same.
Scrapping of SEZs , which have got permission and already started work relying on people’s apprehension may just not be easy, they add.
Nitin Sardessai, who is the counsel for Meditab , which is developing SEZ in Keri , reacting to the media reports that the state government has decided to scrap SEZs in the state said , “The government at its highest can give its recommendations to the Central government that it does not need SEZ in Goa .But this recommendation governs the future of the projects which have not got permissions and the not the ones, which have all permissions like Meditab. In the present SEZ policy , there is no clause to denotify the SEZ which have been granted permission”.
Interestingly, former Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane in his letter to Union Minister of Commerce Kamal Nath has said, “The setting up of SEZ is going to benefit the State of Goa economically as well as help in creating huge employment opportunities.” This letter was sent on December 21,2006. Now a year later , the state government would have to definitely give a strong reason to the Central Government explaining why they are baking out.
“Whether to have SEZs or not is a policy decision, in which courts, have no role to play . But if the question of promissory estopel arises, then the court may look into it. Promissory estopel (equitable estopel) applies when any state government or any agency of the state government comes out with a representation /promise and an individual sets up an industry , then they cannot go back on it.
(Article published in Gomantak Times, Panaji edition dated January 2, 2008 )
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