A court in Goa, India, convicted Vikat Bhagat for the 2017 rape and murder of Irish woman Danielle McLaughlin. Details from the case reveal persistent issues of violence against women in India. McLaughlin’s family expressed relief at the justice served after a long struggle, while officials acknowledged the broader societal issues surrounding sexual violence.
On Friday, a court in India convicted Vikat Bhagat, a 31-year-old man, of the rape and murder of Irish woman Danielle McLaughlin in 2017 at a popular tourist resort in Goa. Judge Kshama Joshi announced that sentencing would be announced on the following Monday. McLaughlin’s body was discovered on a beach in March 2017, showing signs of cerebral damage and constriction of the neck as the cause of death.
Under Indian law, victims of sexual assault typically cannot be named, but McLaughlin’s family advocated for her case to raise awareness regarding violence against women in India, especially following stricter sexual assault laws enacted after the 2012 gang-rape incident in New Delhi. In a statement to the media after the verdict, McLaughlin’s family expressed relief, stating that “justice has finally been achieved.”
The family’s statement continued to emphasize Bhagat’s sole responsibility for McLaughlin’s tragic death and the lasting emotional toll it has taken on them. “We have lost nearly 8 years of our lives fighting for Danielle,” they conveyed, reflecting on the light she brought into their lives.
Recognizing the family’s resilience, Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris offered condolences, acknowledging that while the verdict could not alleviate their grief, it might provide some closure. McLaughlin, a student at Liverpool John Moores University, was in India celebrating the Holi festival when the crime occurred.
Despite tougher laws, crimes against women remain underreported in India due to societal stigma and distrust in law enforcement, especially in rural areas. Women’s rights advocates assert that even with the introduction of new sentencing laws, the incidence of rape has escalated, with police reporting a 20% increase in recorded cases in 2022 compared to the previous year.
The conviction of Vikat Bhagat in the rape and murder of Danielle McLaughlin sheds light on the serious issues of violence against women in India. This case exemplifies the struggles faced by victims and their families in seeking justice amid societal stigma. McLaughlin’s family expressed relief at the verdict, viewing it as a significant milestone in their long battle for justice. This incident also highlights the ongoing challenges women face regarding safety and reporting crimes in India.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
