Goa Police, investigating into the rape and murder of Scarlett Eden Keeling, on Sunday, hinted at arresting her boyfriend 21-year-old Julio Lobo under the Goa Children's Act in next few days.
While police investigations have revealed that Julio had no role in drugging and murdering the
girl on February 18, Scarlett's personal diary can be a base for police to prosecute him under statutory rape charge.
Goa Children's Act and also Indian Penal Code considers consensual sex with a minor as a 'rape'.
"We are thinking on those lines. It may not be a part of murder investigation but for sure, there is an offence committed by Julio and we need to book it," a senior police officer told PTI.
Earlier, the media had speculated that state police will book Scarlett's mother, Fiona Mackeown, possibly under the Goa Children's Act for neglecting her child.
However, the investigating officials had confirmed that their plan of action does not envisage investigating Fiona, at least for this moment.
While the investigators continued grilling both the arrested accused -- Samson D'souza and Placido Carvalho, they are also questioning few more people including Julio.
D'souza, a barman was arrested for drugging, raping and murdering Scarlett while Carvalho is charged for drugging and conspiring in the rape. D'souza is a married man with a French wife and 10-month-old son, police said.
Police confirmed that they are still on a look out for British national Micheal Manyon, who could be a major witness in this case. Manyon was amongst those present in the shack on February 18 and had left the state three days after the incident.