A convicted rapist and murderer from Goa is seeking early release from prison just one year after his sentencing in the brutal killing of Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin.
Danielle McLaughlin, a 28-year-old from Buncrana, Co. Donegal, was discovered dead in a pool of blood in March 2017 during a dream holiday in India. Officials determined she had been raped and savagely attacked at a secluded spot between Canacona and Agonda beaches while celebrating the Holi festival.
Details of the Crime
Vikat Bhagat, then 23, faces charges under the Indian Penal Code for murder, rape, theft, and destruction of evidence. Court documents reveal he struck McLaughlin with a beer bottle when she resisted his advances, then raped and strangled her. He further smashed her face with a rock to destroy evidence.
Police investigation uncovered CCTV footage showing McLaughlin with Bhagat, whom she had met on prior trips to India. Bhagat received his conviction for rape and murder last year and was sentenced in February.
Discovery of the Body
Local farmer Prashant Komarpant found the naked body around 7 a.m. on March 14, 2017, near his field in Devabagh. He described the scene: “On the morning of March 14, I had started my day early as always, and was headed towards my field—a small plot of farming land in Devabagh. About 150 meters in, I spotted the naked, sprawling body of a young white woman lying in a pool of blood. Her face was smashed beyond recognition. Nervous and scared, I approached my friend Amar Komarpanth, who then called the police.”
Goa police arrived within 20 minutes, recorded Komarpant’s statement, and transported the body to the station by 2 p.m.
Appeal for Freedom
Bhagat now requests suspension of his sentence pending his appeal in the high court, which could lead to his immediate release. The trial, one of India’s longest murder cases, unfolded at the Sessions Court of South Goa.
Family Seeks Justice
McLaughlin’s mother, Andrea Brannigan, has voiced deep concerns over the appeal. She stated, “All I ever wanted was an inquest locally so hopefully this will finally lead to getting a death certificate.” An Irish inquest was approved in May to provide the family with answers.
