“The inquiry will be conducted in the complaint against Fiona Mackeown and action will be taken in accordance with the law,” the police submitted to the Goa Bench of Bombay High Court in Panaji on Friday.

Scarlett was found dead on Goa’s popular Anjuna beach on February 18, 2008. A local non-government organisation, Utt Goenkara, had accused the 43-year-old mother of neglecting her child during their stay in Goa.

Utt Goenkara in the complaint to Goa Director General of Police B S Brar had said that Fiona had left Scarlett in unlawful custody on the day she was killed.

Investigations have revealed that Fiona was holidaying in neighbouring Gokarna (Karnataka) while Scarlett was left in the custody of Julio Lobo, a local boy.

Utt Goenkara had petitioned the high court with the plea that police be directed to inquire into neglect by Fiona.

Superintendent of Police Bosco George said that the police would see if a case of neglect could be made out.

On being asked whether Fiona would be summoned, he said nothing could be said at the moment.

The police, who had booked case against Julio under Section 8 of Goa Children’s Act, want to club Fiona’s case with it.