Two charged over death of British teenager in Goa

Two men have been charged with killing a British teenager who was found dead on a beach in India.

The semi-naked body of 15-year-old Scarlett Keeling, from Bideford, was discovered on a beach in Anjuna, Goa, in February 2008.

Local men Samson D'Souza and Placido Carvalho have been charged with culpable homicide, grave sexual assault, administering a drug with intent to harm, outraging modesty and destroying evidence, according to Indian media reports. It is understood the trial will start next week.

Ms Keeling was staying in the resort alone after her mother, Fiona MacKeown, took the rest of the family travelling.

Ms MacKeown battled with local authorities, insisting her daughter's death was the result of a violent attack and not simply a case of drowning.

Her campaign eventually forced a second post-mortem examination to be carried out in early March 2008 and evidence from the first was also re-examined.

The results revealed Scarlett was attacked and raped. Toxicology tests also showed she had taken ecstasy, cocaine and LSD on the night she died.

Soon after the second post-mortem test, local bartender D'Souza was arrested on suspicion of rape and murder. Two days later Carvalho was also arrested in connection with the case. Both were bailed.

Goa Children's Court presented the charges against the pair on Monday.

Ms MacKeown's lawyer, Vikram Verma, told the Daily Mail: "After two years things are finally moving forward and I look forward to fighting for justice in Scarlett's case."