HimVani
Nahan, Nov 15: Reopening the case of woman that died during honeymoon tour in Himachal Pradesh seven years back, British crime investigating agency has again approached the state police, seeking fresh information into the matter.
Sirmaur district S P, Puneeta Bhardwaj told Himvani today that British agency has recently approached state police over the death of its
national, which took place seven years ago. John Clifton Davies, 50 from Milton Keynes of UK was charged on Monday with murder and fraud over the death of his wife Colette Davies, 39 from Bridgend. He was also accused of fraudulently claiming an insurance claim after his wife’s death. He was remanded in custody by Cardiff magistrates court in UK till Wednesday. Colette died when she fell into a river in Rajgarh subdivision in Sirmaur district in year 2004 while sightseeing.
S P, Puneeta Bhardwaj said, “The South Wales Police has sought more details regarding the circumstances that led to the death of British national and we will soon provide these to the British Police.” . She also said, “Though no criminal case was registered against the accused in Himachal. The British Police is investigating it, but we have again started investigations into the case… We can’t disclose much at this stage,” she added. Another police official investigating the case said the police also has doubts about the credentials of an Indian, belonging to Delhi, who was accompanying the couple at the time of the crime. “Indian, who is believed to be a friend of the accused, will also be questioned soon. At the time of the crime he was driving their vehicle,” said the official.
Prosecutors said the accused could be tried in Britain despite the crime occurred outside the country because the alleged victim was also British. The couple, who was married 14 months before the tragedy, had delayed their honeymoon in order to visit India. A week after they reached India, she fell while photographing. Indian investigating agency is also suspicious about the presence of the couple at that area, as it was not connected by road at that time. At the time of crime, police Himachal Pradesh had initiated inquest proceedings under sec. 174 of the CrPC and no criminal case was registered under sections of the IPC.
