Men accused of raping and killing British teen Scarlett Keeling in Goa were cleared of charges. (File)
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Men accused of Scarlett Keeling rape, murder cleared of all charges
Prosecution says police bungled probe, delay in handing case to CBI
Key witness, a British national, refused to testify in case
"I thought at least the judge will find them guilty on drug charges. There was evidence of cocaine in her system. I want to see the judgement," said a visibly distraught Fiona MacKeown, Scarlett's mother, who flew in from the UK for the verdict. A devastated Ms MacKeown however said she would not "give up".

Fiona MacKeown said she was 'devastated' by the verdict. (AFP photo)
Even after Ms MacKeown insisted on handing over the case to the CBI, there was a delay of a few months before the central agency was formally handed over the investigation. The then Chief Minister Digambar Kamat assured on the floor of the Assembly on 27 March, 2008 that the case was handed over to the CBI. But the official letter from his office was only sent at the end of May, 2008. The CBI started with its formal investigations only on June 5th, 2008.

Placido Carvalho (L) and Samson D'Souza were acquitted of all charges (AFP photo)
"The conduct of the Goa police in trying to cover up the crime lost 22 days in the gathering of evidence. On March this extraordinary political delay ensured the destruction of evidence," said Ms MacKeown's lawyer Vikram Verma.
At the trial stage the case received another setback when a crucial witness British national Michael Mannion did not depose before the court.

Scarlett Keeling was found dead in Goa's Anjuna Beach in 2008 (AFP photo)
But in spite of agreeing to testify via video conferencing from the UK, Mr Mannion backed out at the last minute claiming he was suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD. However, no medical evidence of the condition was provided.
"I don't know why he didn't testify. If nothing else, he should have done it for Scarlett. I definitely hold him responsible for the result of the case. He is a despicable coward and wonder how he will live with himself after doing this," said Ms MacKeown.
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