India - Irish Backpacker, Danielle McLaughlin, 28, Raped and Strangled, Goa, 12 March 2017 *Arrest*

[PastTense]

"Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin was found with her face "smashed beyond recognition" after her killer mutilated her with a stone to destroy evidence, a murder trial has heard.

Danielle, 28, from from Buncrana, Co Donegal, was discovered dead lying in a pool of blood in Goa where authorities say she was raped and murdered in March last year.

Yesterday, the Sessions Court of South Goa heard Vikat Bhagat struck Danielle with a beer bottle when she tried to resist him before he raped and strangled her, according to a police charge sheet.

Bhagat, 23, then smashed the victim’s face with a stone to destroy evidence, the court heard."
Backpacker raped and murdered in Goa had face "smashed beyond recognition"

"THE Co Donegal mother and sister of murder victim Danielle McLaughlin (28) have told how they are struggling to cope with the fact the trial in India could last more than five years.

Andrea Brannigan-McLaughlin and her daughter Joleen said the stop-start nature of the case is stopping them from grieving properly...

Bhagat’s trial got underway in April last year. However, more than a year later, only seven witnesses have been heard and the judge has been changed twice, on one occasion because he was promoted."
https://www.irishnews.com/news/nort...trial-in-india-could-last-five-years-1652731/

 

[JerseyGirl]

THE Co Donegal mother and sister of murder victim Danielle McLaughlin (28) have told how they are struggling to cope with the fact the trial in India could last more than five years.

Danielle, from Buncrana in Inishowen, had been travelling in Goa in March 2017 when her body was found in a field close to Canacona.

A local man, Vikhat Bhagat (24), was arrested and charged with raping and murdering her.

https://www.irishnews.com/news/nort...trial-in-india-could-last-five-years-1652731/

 

[JerseyGirl]

Danielle McLaughlin's mother calls on Taoiseach to raise 'slow pace' trial in Goa - Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport

 

[CoverMeCagney]

If it's anything like Sarah Groves and Scarlet Keelings cases it could be well over 5 years.

By the way I just checked Sarah's thread and the next court appearance will be number 176

 

[JerseyGirl]

Danielle McLaughlin’s mother says Victims’ Charter is a ‘step in the right direction’

 

[ifindedout]

Danielle McLaughlin: Mother hopeful trial could end this year

There have been numerous delays into Danielle McLaughlin's murder trial in India over the years.

www.bbc.com

The mother of an Irish woman who was raped and murdered in India seven years ago has said she is "hopeful" the trial will conclude this year.

Danielle McLaughlin, from County Donegal, was 28 years old when she was found dead in a field in the western state of Goa in March 2017.

[...]

In 2023, a court in India directed that the trial should be concluded in 2024.

[...]

The family's lawyer, Des Doherty, told North West Today: "The trial should be over, we are hoping, by September.

"So, I think we're in the last quarter of a very, very long, difficult trial.

"I have read that it is now turning into one of the longest murder trials in the world.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

With only a handful of witnesses left to give their evidence, the conclusion of the seven-year trial is nearing its end with the prosecution likely to complete their part in the middle to end of July.

However, the defence will be given an opportunity to respond to the prosecution’s case and with closing speeches this could bring the end date to August.

The presiding judge will then deliver her verdict and if he is found guilty, a sentencing hearing will take place.

Now Danielle’s mum Andrea Brannigan has revealed she is "nervous and scared" that despite there being enough evidence against Bhagat, "it doesn’t guarantee a guilty verdict."

Mum of murdered Danielle McLaughlin 'nervous & scared' as trial comes to an end

Danielle, 28, from Buncrana, was found dead in a secluded spot in Canacona - an area of Goa in India popular with holidaymakers - on March 14, 2017

www.irishmirror.ie

 

[imstilla.grandma]

The judge overseeing the case for the past two years has now been transferred to another court. In a court document released to Danielle’s mother yesterday, the court pledged to have a verdict returned by February 17

Final arguments in Danielle McLaughlin murder trial to be heard tomorrow

Final arguments in the long-running trial in India of a man accused of murdering Donegal woman Danielle McLaughlin are to be heard tomorrow — but concerns remain that the conclusion of the trial will be further delayed.

www.independent.ie

 

[imstilla.grandma]

To support its case, the prosecution presented forensic evidence, stating that McLaughlin’s blood was found on Bhagat’s clothes and scooter. Additionally, a backpack containing the victim’s blood-stained clothing was recovered from a field near Bhagat’s residence in Canacona.

The court is set to pronounce its judgment on February 13

Judgment on Feb 13 in 2017 Irish tourist Danielle McLaughlin murder case

Daijiworld Media Network- Margao Margao, Feb 9: Margao District and sessions court has concluded the trial in the murder case of Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin, who was found dead in a field in Canacona on 14 March 2017. Local resident Vikat Bhagat stands accused of raping and murdering...

www.daijiworld.com

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Despite these challenges, the trial saw the testimony of 46 witnesses, and the prosecution’s efforts were vital in securing Bhagat’s conviction. Public prosecutors V G Costa, Govind Gaunker and Sanjay Samant represented the State during the trial, while Bhagat’s defence denied the charges, maintaining his innocence throughout the process.

Danielle McLaughlin Rape-Murder Trial Ends with Life Sentence for Vikat Bhagat

Team HeraldMARGAO: The sensational eight-year trial in the Danielle McLaughlin rape-murder came to a close on Monday, with the Additional District and Sessions

www.heraldgoa.in

 

[LadyL]

Despite these challenges, the trial saw the testimony of 46 witnesses, and the prosecution’s efforts were vital in securing Bhagat’s conviction. Public prosecutors V G Costa, Govind Gaunker and Sanjay Samant represented the State during the trial, while Bhagat’s defence denied the charges, maintaining his innocence throughout the process.

Danielle McLaughlin Rape-Murder Trial Ends with Life Sentence for Vikat Bhagat

Team HeraldMARGAO: The sensational eight-year trial in the Danielle McLaughlin rape-murder came to a close on Monday, with the Additional District and Sessions

www.heraldgoa.in

finally and thank goodness for her family

 

[imstilla.grandma]

"Although it took eight traumatic years for relief, Danielle McLaughlin’s mother and sister, who fought for justice, can now grieve for her. The pain of losing a loved one - especially to a cruel killer - can never go away, but the sentence will pave the way for healing."

Women’s rights NGO praises conviction of Danielle McLaughlin's killer

"The ends of justice have been met with Vikat Bhagat being convicted for the brutal rape, murder, and destruction of evidence, and sentenced to rigorous punishment and a fine"

www.irishmirror.ie

 

[imstilla.grandma]

It is very heartening that the relevant authorities, here in Ireland, showed their compassion and care in agreeing to and supporting the requirement for an inquest to be held in Donegal, Danielle’s home, after the horrific events that ended her beautiful life thousands of miles away

Danielle McLaughlin's mother Andrea

https://www.northwaleschronicle.co.uk/news/national/25166313.family-irish-backpacker-killed-india-welcome-decision-hold-inquest/