A court in India has found a 31-year-old man guilty of raping and murdering Irish tourist Danielle McLaughlin in 2017. The verdict comes as violence against women continues to spark outrage more than a decade after a brutal gang rape in New Delhi led to stricter sexual assault laws.
Vikat Bhagat was convicted by Judge Kshama Joshi at the District and Sessions Court in Goa on Friday. His sentencing is scheduled for Monday.
McLaughlin, 28, was found dead on a popular beach in the western Indian state in March 2017. An autopsy revealed that she died from cerebral damage and neck constriction.
Although Indian law typically protects the identity of rape victims, McLaughlin’s family chose to speak publicly to raise awareness about the case. Her murder highlighted ongoing concerns about women’s safety in India, despite the legal reforms implemented after the 2012 gang rape and murder of a young woman in New Delhi.
In a statement, McLaughlin’s family expressed gratitude to the public prosecutor and investigating officer, saying they had “treated her like their daughter and tirelessly fought for justice.”
A separate statement posted on the “Truth For Danielle McLaughlin” Facebook page acknowledged the long struggle for justice. “We have lost nearly eight years of our lives fighting for Danielle, and we are so thankful that we can now start grieving her immeasurable loss,” the post read. “She was much more than a daughter, sister, and best friend. She lit up every room and touched the lives of everyone she met.”
Ireland’s foreign ministry also released a statement on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris, commending McLaughlin’s family, particularly her mother, for their resilience. “While nothing can ease the pain of their loss, I hope this verdict provides some closure,” the statement read. “May Danielle rest in peace.”
Goa remains a popular destination for backpackers and tourists, with millions visiting its beach resorts every year.