The family of Danielle McLaughlin, an Irish woman from Buncrana, Co Donegal, who was killed in India nearly eight years ago, has expressed relief after a 31-year-old local man, Vikat Bhagat, was convicted of her rape and murder. The verdict was delivered at the District and Sessions Court in south Goa, India.
Ms McLaughlin, who had turned 28 shortly before her death, was in India for just two weeks when she was killed. Her body was found by a farmer in a remote field near Canacona, a tourist area in Goa, on 14 March 2017. She had previously volunteered at an orphanage in India and planned to learn to teach yoga during her travels, reports RTE.
According to RTE, Bhagat, who was known to Ms McLaughlin, was arrested shortly after her body was discovered. Her family, including her mother Andrea Brannigan and sister Joleen McLaughlin Brannigan, stated that justice has “finally been achieved” after a lengthy and challenging eight-year trial marked by delays, held far from their home in Donegal.
In a statement issued through their solicitor Desmond Doherty, the family confirmed that Bhagat alone was responsible for her death, dispelling any speculation of other suspects or gangs being involved. They expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling and gratitude for being allowed representation during the trial under the Indian legal system. The family will continue to follow any further legal proceedings.
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