Goa rape and murder case: Magistrate to record statements

Police would record the statements of crucial witnesses in a British woman's rape and murder in Goa before a magistrate to make the case "watertight".

"The statements of at least seven to eight crucial witnesses in this case would be recorded before a magistrate under section 164 of CrPC," Deputy Superintendent of Police (Canacona) Sammy Tavares, who is heading the investigation, told PTI today.

Police have moved an application before a local magistrate for recording the statements of these witnesses, four of whom are foreign nationals, he said.

A statement recored under section 164 of CrPC is admissible as evidence in a court.

"We want to make the case watertight," Tavares said.

Police have arrested a local, Vikat Bhagat, in connection with the murder and rape of the 28-year-old British backpacker.

The tourist was found dead near a beach in south Goa's Devbag village, about 80km from here, on March 14. It was later revealed she was sexually assaulted before being killed.

--ANI