A decision in the protracted trial in India regarding the individual charged with the murder of Donegal woman Danielle McLaughlin nearly eight years ago is anticipated tomorrow morning.
Initially, a ruling was expected at the Margao District and Sessions Court in Goa today.
However, the trial has been postponed until 2pm local time (8.30am Irish time) tomorrow.
A local resident, 31-year-old Vikat Bhagat, faces charges of raping and murdering Ms. McLaughlin on 14 March 2017.
Mr. Varma stated: “I believe the prosecution has performed well, but no one can truly understand the mindset of a judge until the verdict is delivered, as it relies on the evidence and technicalities to deliver justice. We have confidence in the system.”
Ms. McLaughlin, originally from Buncrana, had only been in India for two weeks in early 2017 when her life was tragically cut short.
She celebrated her 28th birthday just a month prior to her death, having returned home for the festivities.
On 14 March 2017, her body was discovered by a farmer in a secluded field near Canacona, a tourist-favored area in Goa. She had been raped and murdered.
Prior to this tragedy, Ms. McLaughlin volunteered at an orphanage in India and had plans to learn yoga while traveling.
Mr. Bhagat, who was known to Ms. McLaughlin, was apprehended shortly after her body was found.
As we approach eight years since Ms. McLaughlin’s passing, the Indian justice system has been proceeding at a sluggish pace.
The case has been presented in court over 250 times, experiencing several significant delays.
Some hearings have lasted merely 30 minutes on certain days, and on multiple occasions, they have been postponed due to the suspect being unavailable.
Ms. McLaughlin held both British and Irish passports. Diplomats from each country have engaged with officials in Goa on several occasions to discuss her case.
She was laid to rest in Buncrana after her body was returned to Donegal, facilitated by the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
Ms. McLaughlin’s mother, Andrea, previously shared with RTÉ News how the delays have been profoundly difficult for their family.
“When the case is postponed, it hinders our ability to grieve, and it prevents Danielle’s sister and her friends from finding closure. I wish for this to end so we can find peace.”
