Is a serial killer on the loose in Goa?

The recovery of 10 bodies, including that of seven young women, from Goa in the last three days has sent shock waves across the state ahead of the peak tourist season with the state police not ruling out the hand of a serial killer behind the murders.

The incident comes months after the police arrested notorious serial killer Mahanand Naik who allegedly killed 18 young women after promising to marry them.

"We don't rule out any possibility of serial killing in these murders. In case of Mahanand Naik, it was a systemic failure, which we are trying to mend," Director General of Police B S Bassi told reporters.

Of the 10 bodies, three were burnt after being killed and all the women are in their early stages of life, with one as young as four-year-old.

Noting that the recent murders have striking similarities with the Naik case, the DGP said, "We have learnt lessons from Mahanand case which will not be repeated. We are saddened, but at the same time Goa police has been doing wonderful job in protecting people. Records available with the police indicate that there are 18 people who were missing in the last fortnight. The DGP said that the current series of deaths are being investigated "from all possible angles".

He was addressing a media conference along with Chief Minister Digamber kamat and Home Minister Ravi Naik. However, the officer rubbished the statement that Goa is unsafe for women.

"Everyone is safe in Goa. Anyone can walk freely in Goa. There are no safety concerns which need to be raised."
To a query the police chief admitted that the force is facing manpower shortage for conducting effective patrolling in the state.