Indian court sentences man to life in prison for raping and murdering Irish tourist in Goa

Indian court sentences man to life in prison for raping and murdering Irish tourist in Goa

February 17, 2025: A 31-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for the rape and murder of a 28-year-old Irish tourist, Danielle McLaughlin, at a popular tourist resort in Goa, western India, nearly eight years ago.

In March 2017, McLaughlin's body was discovered by a farmer on a beach in Goa. An autopsy revealed that brain damage and constriction of the neck caused her death.

Last Friday, Vikat Bhagat was found guilty of the crime. McLaughlin's family, in a statement, said they and her friends were "thankful to the public prosecutor and the investigating officer for securing justice in this case."

Under Indian law, the names of rape victims are usually not revealed, but in this case, McLaughlin's family spoke to the media to raise awareness about her case.

This incident is part of a series of ongoing cases of violence against women in India, despite tougher laws on sexual assault that were introduced after the 2012 gang-rape and death of a young woman on a bus in New Delhi.

Goa is a popular backpacking destination in India, attracting millions of tourists to its beach resorts every year.