The family of an Irish woman who was tragically killed in India nearly eight years ago expresses that justice has “finally been achieved” with the conviction of a 31-year-old local man for her rape and murder.
Danielle McLaughlin, originally from Buncrana, Co Donegal, had only been in India for two weeks when her life was taken.
Vikat Bhagat was found guilty by the District and Sessions Court in southern Goa, India, of raping and murdering her.
On 14 March 2017, Ms McLaughlin’s body was discovered by a farmer in a remote field near Canacona, an area of Goa that is popular among tourists.
Watch: ‘We can now begin the process of grieving her profound loss’
Ms McLaughlin had previously volunteered at an orphanage in India and was planning to learn yoga while traveling.
Bhagat, who was acquainted with Ms McLaughlin, was arrested within hours of the discovery of her body.
Family declares that justice has ‘finally been achieved’
In a statement, Ms McLaughlin’s mother and sister expressed that justice has “finally been achieved.”
Family solicitor Desmond Doherty issued a statement on behalf of Ms McLaughlin’s mother Andrea Brannigan and sister Joleen McLaughlin Brannigan, stating: “There was no other suspect or gang involved in Danielle’s death; Vikat Bhagat was solely responsible for brutally ending her beautiful life.”
“We have endured what can be considered an eight-year murder trial filled with delays and challenges, all taking place thousands of miles away from Danielle’s home in Buncrana, Co Donegal.”
“We are now at peace with the judicial confirmation of what we sadly already knew. We will observe any further legal processes that may occur.”
“We are thankful to the court for allowing us to have our representation at the trial, as per our rights under the Indian legal system.”
We need your consent to load this rte-player content. We utilize rte-player to manage additional content that can set cookies on your device and track your activities. Please review their details and provide your consent to load the content. Manage Preferences
“We extend our gratitude to our lawyer in Goa, Mr. Vikram Varma, for managing everything on our behalf.”
“We are also thankful to our lawyer back home, Desmond Doherty, who worked closely with Vikram to help us understand the trial process and the events that unfolded during the trial.”
“Without this collaborative legal representation, we would have felt lost in the process. This has been an exhausting eight-year murder trial, and we are relieved it is finally over.”
The McLaughlin family additionally expressed their appreciation to the public prosecutors and investigators involved in the case.
Andrea Brannigan and Joleen McLaughlin Brannigan emphasized the challenges of the quest for truth and justice, saying, “It is no easy matter, as we have learned.”
“In memory of Danielle, we have remained patient and respectful of the Indian legal system, with support from the British and Irish consular staff,” they remarked.
“We are grateful to have visited the area where Danielle spent her final days on this earth, which was both painful and challenging.”
“Now, we hope that not only can Danielle rest in peace, but that our family can also find some solace knowing that the individual who brutally raped and murdered our beloved Danielle has been convicted.”
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has honored Ms McLaughlin’s family, commending Andrea McLaughlin’s “determination and resilience amid unimaginable tragedy.”
In a statement, he noted that the Department of Foreign Affairs collaborated with the UK, as well as the Embassy in New Delhi and the Consulate General in Mumbai, to “facilitate progress towards a resolution of the court case.”
The Tánaiste expressed hope that the verdict “provides some closure” for the McLaughlin family.
