Bollywood to depict death of British teen in Goa

A BOLLYWOOD filmmaker plans to make a movie about a British teenager murdered at one of Goa’s famed beaches, but a lawyer said the family was afraid the script could deviate from the truth.

Scarlett Keeling, a 15-year-old British girl, was raped and murdered at Goa’s Anjuna beach in February, triggering criticism of the police and highlighting the lack of safety for tourists in India.

The new film, titled Rave Party, will include a scene depicting the last few moments of Keeling’s life, when police say she was raped and left to die in the shallow waters.

“It will be a Bollywood film with a tinge of reality,” Prabhakar Shukla, the film’s director said.

But Keeling’s family lawyer said they were unsure how a film could help them get justice for Scarlett.

Two people have been arrested in the case, with one released on bail, prompting Fiona MacKeown, mother of the dead teenager, to push for a federal police investigation.

Keeling’s death highlighted the easy availability of drugs, especially at Anjuna beach where her body was discovered.

Police say her attackers claimed she was high on alcohol, ecstasy, LSD and cocaine when raped.

“Everyone should learn and see what is happening to tourists in Goa,” Shukla said.

At least 126 tourists have died in Goa in the past two years, most in accidents or as suicides. But police officers admit a few cases may have links with drug peddlers.