- The 46-year-old Briton was found dead on Agonda beach near the town of Canacona in south Goa
Mystery surrounds the death of a British woman whose decomposed body was found on a beach in one of India's most popular tourist destinations this morning.
Emma Leaning, 46, was found in a church compound that extends to Agonda Beach in south Goa. No external injuries were found on her body, the police said.
The officials have registered the case and the mortal remains have been sent to Margao City District Hospital for post-mortem.
According to local media, Leaning's body was discovered by a group of locals as they walked along Agonda Beach, north of the town of Canacona.
The body of the 46-year-old British woman was found on a beach in Agonda, Goa, with no external injuries, police said (Goa archive photo).
Locals have speculated that Leaning was trying to climb a wall when she fell and broke her collarbone. The mystery has also raised suspicions about whether foul play occurred.
But police inspector Chandrakant Gawas said, “She was found without any injuries and her clothes and belongings, including mobile phone and identity papers, were intact.”
“We don’t suspect foul play.” We can only comment on the cause of death after the autopsy.”
According to the Hindustan Times, police said she had been a frequent visitor to Goa and was with friends who had been informed of the death.
“Their friends and family have been informed about the incident.” The consulate and embassy have also been kept informed,” said South Goa Police Commissioner Abhishek Dhania.
“The body will be handed over to the relatives after formalities are completed,” he added.
Police said Leaning's body was found near Canacona, near the picturesque beaches of Palolem and Patnem, which are popular with backpackers. Goa is one of India's leading travel destinations and a popular winter sun hotspot for visitors from the UK.
It is understood that the woman had been living in a rented house in Agonda at the time of her death.
The UK Foreign Office told Web: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who died in Goa and are in contact with local authorities.”
This is breaking news, more to come…
Mysterious: 46-year-old British woman is found dead on the premises of a church on a beach in Goa