A court in India’s western Goa state has sentenced a 31-year-old man to life imprisonment for the 2017 rape and murder of Irish tourist Danielle McLaughlin, the verdict, delivered on Monday, comes nearly eight years after the brutal crime shocked the region.
McLaughlin, 28, was found dead at a popular beach resort in Goa in March 2017, after a farmer discovered her body, and an autopsy later confirmed that she died due to cerebral damage and strangulation. The case drew international attention, highlighting concerns over women’s safety in India.
In a statement, McLaughlin’s family thanked the public prosecutor and the investigating officer for ensuring justice after Vikat Bhagat was found guilty of the crime on Friday. Additionally, they rejected the accusations of several suspects, asserting that Bhagat was the only one who killed Danielle.
Her mother, Andrea Brannigan, and sister, Joleen McLaughlin Brannigan, said that after years of fighting, justice had “finally been achieved.” A separate statement on the “Truth For Danielle McLaughlin” Facebook page expressed relief, saying her truth had been heard.
“We have lost nearly eight years fighting for Danielle, and now we can start grieving. She was more than a daughter, sister, and best friend—she brought light into every room and positively impacted all who knew her,” the statement read.
The case of McLaughlin brings to light the persistent violence against women in India, as sexual assault incidents are still on the rise even with tougher laws against it. Tougher punishments were imposed when a young lady was gang-raped and killed in Delhi in 2012, but advocates contend that this hasn’t had a major impact on crime prevention.
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The National Crime Records Bureau reports that 31,516 rape cases were reported in India in 2022, a 20% increase over the year before. Because of the stigma associated with sexual violence and the public’s mistrust of law enforcement, many incidents go unreported.
Goa, known for its scenic beaches and lively tourist scene, has gained a darker reputation due to high-profile crimes involving foreigners. In 2008, British teenager Scarlett Keeling was raped and murdered there, sparking global outrage.
McLaughlin, a former student of Liverpool John Moores University, had been staying in a beach hut with an Australian friend before her death. She had traveled to a nearby village to celebrate Holi, a Hindu festival. She left the village that night, and her body was discovered the following day.
