Goa, 17 February: A Goa court sentenced 31-year-old Vikat Bhagat to life imprisonment on Monday for the rape and murder of Irish-British tourist Danielle McLaughlin in 2017. District and Sessions Judge Kshama Joshi handed down the sentence, which also included a fine of Rs 25,000 for the crimes and an additional Rs 10,000 for the destruction of evidence.
Bhagat was convicted on Friday for the brutal assault and killing of McLaughlin, whose body was discovered in a forested area in Canacona, South Goa, on March 14, 2017. The victim, 28, had been struck with a stone, leading to fatal head injuries.
Vikram Varma, the lawyer representing McLaughlin’s mother, Andrea Brannigan, confirmed that Bhagat would also serve a concurrent two-year sentence for evidence destruction. “We are grateful for this verdict. It brings closure to a painful chapter,” Varma said.
McLaughlin’s family expressed deep gratitude in a statement read by their representative. “We, as Danielle’s family and friends, are so thankful to everyone involved in our fight for justice. They treated her like their own daughter and fought tirelessly for her,” the statement mentioned. They added, “Our hard work has paid off, and we are relieved that Bhagat has been held accountable for taking Danielle from us.”
Police Inspector Philomena Costa, who led the investigation, praised the thoroughness of the inquiry that led to the conviction. “I am extremely happy with the verdict. The case was meticulously handled, and justice has been served,” Costa said.
According to the Goa police chargesheet, McLaughlin, from Donegal, Ireland, had been on a trip to Goa when she met Bhagat. After spending the evening together, Bhagat murdered her. Her body was found nude, lying in a pool of blood, with severe injuries to her head and face.
