Goa Man Sentenced to Life for Rape and Murder of Irish-British Tourist

In Goa, Vikat Bhagat was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping and murdering Irish-British tourist Danielle McLaughlin in 2017. The court imposed fines for the offenses and ruled that he would serve additional time for evidence destruction. McLaughlin’s family expressed their appreciation for the efforts made in their pursuit of justice.

On Monday, a Goa court sentenced 31-year-old Vikat Bhagat to rigorous life imprisonment for the rape and murder of Irish-British tourist Danielle McLaughlin in 2017. The judgment followed Bhagat’s conviction for the offenses, which occurred after he befriended McLaughlin during her visit to Goa; her body was discovered in a forested area on March 14, showing severe injuries.

District and Sessions Judge Kshama Joshi issued the life sentence and levied a fine of Rs 25,000 for the murder and rape, along with an additional Rs 10,000 for evidence destruction. Bhagat will serve these sentences concurrently, and he will also face a two-year imprisonment for evidence tampering, confirmed lawyer Vikram Varma, representing McLaughlin’s mother.

Following the verdict, McLaughlin’s family expressed their gratitude towards everyone involved in their pursuit of justice, feeling that they fought for Danielle as if she were their own daughter. The family appreciated the outcome and believed it was a result of their persistent efforts for justice.

Police Inspector Philomena Costa highlighted the effectiveness of the thorough investigation that led to Bhagat’s conviction and expressed satisfaction with the trial’s outcome. The chargesheet noted that while visiting from Donegal, McLaughlin was killed after spending time with Bhagat, who struck her with a stone, resulting in fatal injuries.

Ultimately, this case serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by tourists and the necessity of robust legal systems to secure justice. The family’s response underscores the emotional impact of the tragedy and the importance of community support during such arduous legal battles.

Danielle McLaughlin’s case concluded with Vikat Bhagat receiving life imprisonment for his role in her rape and murder. The family expressed tremendous gratitude for the support they received throughout the judicial process. This outcome highlights the importance of thorough investigations and legal accountability.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com