MARGAO: After eight long years the accused Vikat Bhagat was finally convicted on Friday 14 Feb 2025 by the JMFC court Margao. Bhagat has been convicted for the rape and murder case of Irish national Danielle McLaughlin which took place in 14 March 2017. Whether he will be sentenced to death or life will be pronounced by the Judge on Monday.
Vikat Bhagat has been convicted for both murder and rape. Danielle McLaughlin 28 years hailed from Donegal in Northwest Ireland, had come to Goa in February 2017. She befriended Bhagat a local, during her stay. In March of the same year, she was found murdered at an isolated spot at Devabag in Canacona.
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Adv Sanjay Samant, Public Prosecutor said 46 witnesses were examined which culminated in the conviction. Arguments on the point of sentences were also heard today. The matter has now been kept for Monday for final judgement, Samant said.
Danielle’s Family Member said the family is thankful to both the embassies, the prosecutors, lawyers and the investigators in their fight for justice. “We have tirelessly fought for Danielle and we are glad that the hard work has paid off and he has been found guilty of taking Danielle from us. We have lost eight years of our life fighting.”
Adv Arun Braz de Sa, counsel for Vikat said, “He has been convicted and arguments for the point of sentence were heard. He said he raised strong objection in Open Court regarding the media trial. We have a right to appeal,” he said.
