Danielle McLaughlin, 28, was raped and murdered in Goa, India, in 2017. Her killer, Vikat Bhagat, is now seeking suspension of his sentence

01:15, Fri, Mar 13, 2026 Updated: 01:25, Fri, Mar 13, 2026

Two individuals, one male with a beard and mustache and the other female with short hair, are shown in side-by-side portraits, e

Danielle was killed at the popular backpacking location of Goa, India (Image: Copyright unknown)

A depraved killer who raped and savagely murdered an Irish backpacker in Goa is attempting to secure his release from prison just one year following his conviction.

In a disturbing case that sent shockwaves through the UK and Ireland, Danielle McLaughlin was assaulted at the popular backpacking location of Goa, India whilst on a dream holiday. Her killer, Vikat Bhagat, is now mounting an application for release from custody following one of the world's most protracted murder trials.

The 28 year old Danielle, from Buncrana, Co Donegal, was found deceased in a pool of blood where officials say she was raped and killed. Bhagat, who received his sentence last February, is requesting suspension of his punishment - which would result in his effective freedom - pending the high court's determination of his criminal appeal.

Throughout the proceedings, the Sessions Court of South Goa was told Vikat Bhagat struck Danielle with a beer bottle as she attempted to fight him off before he raped and strangled her, according to police charging documents.

The 23 year old Bhagat subsequently smashed the victim's face with a rock to eliminate evidence, the court was informed. Bhagat was convicted of rape and murder last year.

An individual with curly hair is holding up a circular object containing a small insect, smiling brightly.

Danielle, from Buncrana, Co Donegal, was found deceased in a pool of blood (Image: Internet Unknown)

The case has subsequently been re-examined in an Irish Times podcast, whilst Danielle's family pursued an Irish inquest in their quest for answers. This request was approved in May.

Ms McLaughlin's mother, Andrea Brannigan, informed the BBC "all I ever wanted was an inquest locally so hopefully this will finally lead to getting a death certificate."

She has additionally expressed profound worry that the wicked Bhagat might have his release application granted.

The trial heard evidence from Prashant Komarpant, a local farmer who came across Danielle's body.

An individual is standing on a gravel beach, dressed in a patterned bikini, holding a surfboard in one hand and touching their h

Vikat Bhagat, is now mounting an application for release (Image: Internet Unknown)

He informed the court that he made the discovery at roughly 7am on the morning of March 13 2017, and that he alerted another man, who notified the police.

He said: "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 reached the scene within the following 20 minutes, and documented Prashant's statement. The body was transported to the police station around 2pm that same afternoon, the court was informed.

According to the charge sheet, Bhagat attempted to force himself on the woman at a secluded location between Canacona and Agonda beaches. When she resisted, he assaulted her with a beer bottle, raped and then strangled her, according to the charge sheet.

It further stated that the accused proceeded to bludgeon the victim's face with a stone in an attempt to obliterate evidence.

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Goa police reached the scene within the following 20 minutes (Image: Internet Unknown)

During their inquiry, police secured CCTV footage showing Danielle allegedly in the company of Bhagat, whom she had met on previous visits to India.

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Bhagat was subsequently apprehended and charged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for murder, rape, theft and destruction of evidence.

Danielle was on a backpacking adventure through India. She had journeyed to Goa to partake in Holi, the vibrant Indian festival of colours.