Irish Backpacker Danielle McLaughlin’s Killer Found Guilty in India, Sentencing Awaited
A court in India has found 31-year-old Vikat Bhagat guilty of the brutal rape and murder of Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin in Goa, nearly eight years after the crime shook the tourist state.
The verdict was delivered by Judge Kshama Joshi at the District and Sessions Court in Goa on Friday, with sentencing scheduled for Monday.
McLaughlin, 28, was found dead on a popular beach in March 2017, with an autopsy confirming that cerebral damage and strangulation led to her death. Her case has been a painful reminder of ongoing violence against women in India, despite tougher sexual assault laws introduced after the 2012 Delhi gang rape.
Her family, in a statement, expressed their gratitude to the public prosecutor and investigators who “tirelessly fought for justice” and treated Danielle as their own daughter. A separate statement on the “Truth For Danielle McLaughlin” Facebook page reflected their heartbreak and relief, stating, “Her truth has finally been heard.”
Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris also paid tribute to McLaughlin’s family, particularly her mother, commending their resilience in seeking justice. “While nothing can ease the pain of their loss, I hope that this verdict represents some closure,” he said.
Goa, a popular backpacking destination, attracts millions of tourists each year. This case has once again highlighted the need for enhanced safety measures for travelers, particularly women. The final sentencing of Bhagat on Monday will determine the legal consequences of this heinous crime.