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Danielle McLaughlin Murder Case: Justice Served with Life Sentencing
By Catherine Doyle and Eimear Flanagan, BBC News NI
A man has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of the brutal rape and murder of 28-year-old Irish traveler Danielle McLaughlin, who was exploring India. McLaughlin, originally from County Donegal, was discovered lifeless in a field in Goa in March 2017.
Vikat Bhagat was convicted on Friday by the District and Sessions Court in South Goa, following a long and arduous legal battle. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty for Bhagat in response to the severity of his crimes.
Court Ruling
On Monday, the court handed down a sentence of “rigorous” life imprisonment for the act of murder. Bhagat also received an additional life sentence for his conviction of rape, along with a three-year sentence for tampering with evidence. All sentences are set to be served concurrently.
Bhagat’s defense attorney, Adv Franco, announced plans to appeal both the conviction and the sentence. Vikram Verma, part of the prosecution team, highlighted the challenges of assembling sufficient circumstantial evidence to secure a conviction in this sensitive case. Insp Filomina Costa, the lead investigator, expressed satisfaction with the court’s verdict.
Under Indian law, the identities of victims of sexual assault are typically protected. However, throughout their eight-year pursuit of justice, McLaughlin’s family has bravely shared their story to increase awareness of her case.
A Long Journey for Justice
In reflecting on the court’s decision, solicitor Des Doherty remarked on the emotional toll of this process for Danielle’s mother, Andrea. “For Andrea, the road to truth and justice has been incredibly long and challenging,” he stated, acknowledging the support from both British and Irish consulates along with Mr. Verma’s assistance.
Although the process was lengthy, Andrea Brannigan expressed gratitude for her involvement in the legal proceedings. She noted that her perseverance has ultimately resulted in achieving their goal of justice for Danielle.
Community Support and Family Resilience
Danielle’s family had traveled to Goa to witness the conclusion of the trial, thanks to a fundraising campaign set up to support their journey. Upon hearing the verdict, Andrea expressed relief, stating that while they have achieved justice, nothing can bring Danielle back. “She was taken from us, from her sisters, and from her friends,” she said, adding that her daughter will always be remembered for her spirit, kindness, and infectious laugh.
Danielle’s sister, Joleen, emphasized the family’s unwavering commitment to seeking justice for Danielle. “We believed that Danielle’s life mattered, regardless of where she came from,” she shared, expressing gratitude for the prosecution’s emphasis on valuing her sister’s voice throughout the trial.
With the guilty verdict, the family now feels they can begin the grieving process for Danielle.
Remembering Danielle
Danielle McLaughlin was well-regarded in her community, known for her talents in drama and dance, having studied at Liverpool John Moores University. During a prior trip to India, she volunteered at an orphanage, demonstrating her compassionate nature. Her return to India in February 2017 came with hopes of working as a yoga instructor, but tragically, she was murdered just two weeks after her arrival.
During her active time in Goa, Danielle had been residing in a beach hut with an Australian friend, and had ventured to a nearby village to celebrate Holi, a traditional Hindu festival. After expressing her dissatisfaction with her lodging to a man she presumed to be a friend, she disappeared that night. Her lifeless body was discovered the following day by a local farmer. A subsequent autopsy revealed that her death was caused by strangulation and brain damage.
The Newry-based charity, the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, worked to help her family return Danielle’s remains to the Republic of Ireland. During her funeral, the priest described her as having a “kindly heart and searching mind” and honored the extensive global network of friends she made throughout her life.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of justice and the need for continued vigilance to ensure that victims’ voices are heard and their stories acknowledged.
