Vikat Bhagat convicted in Goa court for the rape and murder of Danielle McLaughlin, whose body was found in 2017.
Danielle McLaughlin was 28. She was from Donegal. Her body was found in 2017 in Goa, a popular tourist spot. Danielle had only been in India for two weeks before the attack.
A farmer found Danielle’s body near Cacacona. This was before St. Patrick’s Day. Brain damage and strangulation caused her death.
Vikat Bhagat knew Danielle in India. He was found guilty of rape and murder in South Goa court. Police arrested Bhagat quickly after the incident; he was 31 years old.
The case faced many delays and went to court over 250 times. Bhagat was found guilty eight years later.
Danielle’s mother, Andrea Brannigan, spoke last month about the slow and painful process. She said families should not wait this long and wants justice for her daughter.
Andrea said Danielle missed out on significant family events, including becoming a grandmother recently. Danielle would have loved being an aunt. The loss affected many lives due to the brutal and senseless crime.
Andrea’s lawyer, Vikram Varma, spoke yesterday and hopes that justice will be served. Danielle suffered a brutal death.
Final arguments were delayed two weeks because Andrea wanted to be in court. Despite the trial end date changing quickly, she learned the final arguments would proceed.
Danielle studied yoga and traveled to Goa with a friend from Australia. They stayed in a beach hut together and celebrated Holi in a village.
Danielle planned to travel onward to Canada. Andrea said Danielle loved traveling, but someone committed a terrible act of violence against her.
Andrea thanked everyone for their support over the years.
Andrea had previously been refused a meeting, as Leo Varadkar’s office said she wasn’t Irish. Danielle traveled with a British passport, as she had dual citizenship, being born in Glasgow and living in Ireland since she was two weeks old.
Simon Harris, the current Tanaiste, hopes the verdict brings closure. He sends tribute to Andrea and the family, recognizing their strength in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
The Department of Foreign Affairs helped seek a conclusion in court, working in conjunction with the UK.
The verdict can’t ease their pain, but Harris hopes it will bring closure to the grieving family. He hopes she can rest in peace.