AGONDA: O Heraldo has already raised questions how nobody noticed the body of Emma Louise Leaning, the UK woman found dead in the Church premises at Agonda, a place that was thronged by hundreds of people, who continued to be there till 2:30 am on January 1.
The landscape within the church property, including the coconut trees, should have triggered attention. Emma’s bright coloured outfit contrasts sharply with the surroundings, making it seemingly impossible to overlook during the sports event that took place on January 1 on the very spot where her body was found or subsequent days.
The nearby shack owners, also observed that the labourers were working on January 2 for the maintenance of coconut trees in the church premises, which is where the deceased body was found.
O Heraldo also noticed that the waste generated after the New Year celebrations was burnt within the church premises the next day, just 2-3 meters away from the site where the corpse was found.
And finally; why would Emma try to climb a high wall, when there were two gates and a passage to pass through from the beach to the main village either through the Church compound or the adjoining resort.
The discovery of the dead body at a time when festive revelry was at its peak, raises further questions about the events leading up to her death. As the investigation unfolds, the people of Agonda are left grappling with uncertainty, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Emma’s demise continue to baffle authorities and locals alike.
The Canacona police are not asking any of these questions. The big ask is why. Until the results of the viscera analysis are revealed, the veil of uncertainty will persist over this tragic incident at Agonda Beach.
Emma Louise Leaning died due to impact of a blunt object: Post-mortem report
Forensic Expert visits accident site to probe further; viscera preserved for further investigation
AGONDA: British national Emma Louise Leaning, who was found dead at Agonda beach church premises in mysterious circumstances, died due to impact of a blunt object, according to the post-mortem report.
Speaking to O Heraldo, Dr Madhu Gawade, from the forensic department of Goa Medical College & Hospital (GMCH), based in South Goa, said, “Emma’s post-mortem report shows that the death is due to the damage to brain and cervical spine injury as a result of blunt force impact. However, the viscera has been preserved for thorough analysis.”
The experts in forensic department have informed this correspondent that the exact cause of death will be known only after the viscera analysis, as “one cannot lift the deceased’s body up to the compound wall height if she was under the influence of liquor or narcotics substance”.
On Thursday morning, Dr Gawade visited and inspected the site, where the dead body of Emma was discovered on January 2. The circumstances surrounding her demise remain unclear, leaving locals and authorities puzzled.
According to Canacona Police Inspector Chandrakant Gawas, Emma’s lifeless body was discovered in the church premises on Tuesday evening. Despite the absence of external injuries, an injury on her leg raises concerns.
Witnesses report that her clothes were intact, but her slippers were found neatly placed on the beach next to the walls, suggesting a potential climb. There are several questions unattended and unanswered by the Investigating Officer Rifa Barretto (PSI). All attempts to establish contact with her remained futile.
According to the local businessmen, the incident is ruining the reputation of the peaceful village. As per locals, the pathway where the deceased body was found is regularly used by the commuters. Hence questions are being raised about why and how the body was not noticed by anyone during the peak tourist season, while the celebration of New Year was in full flow.
