Family fury as Danielle kill suspect given bail
THE family of murdered Donegal backpacker Danielle McLaughlin has said they are ‘devastated’ that her murder accused has been granted bail in India — to attend his sister’s wedding.
Danielle (28), from Buncrana, was found dead in a secluded spot in Canacona, an area of Goa popular with holidaymakers, on March 14, 2017.
The night before she was found dead, Danielle had attended a Holi party near Canacona beach in the south of Goa. She had been brutally raped and murdered.
Local man Vikat Bhagat has been charged with the rape and murder of Danielle. He has been in custody since 2017 and his trial has been ongoing for over six-and-a-half years, making it one of the longest murder trials in the world.
He has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, murder, violent robbery and destruction of evidence.
Now we can reveal that Bhagat — has been granted temporary bail to attend his sister’s wedding by the High Court in Goa after the Sessions Court rejected his application earlier this month.
Danielle’s heartbroken family have now spoken out about their devastation and heartache.
They said they are terrified they may never get justice for Danielle as they fear Bhagat may abscond.
“Today feels like the day we found out she died all over again,” they said.
Closure
“He doesn’t need to wear handcuffs and with the trial due to end before July what’s stopping him from absconding?
“We are terrified Danielle won’t get justice and that we will never get closure to grieve the loss of our beautiful daughter, sister and friend.
“We are truly devastated and heartbroken with this news.”
Padraig Mac Lochlainn TD has asked Tanaiste Micheal Martin to make an urgent statement on the engagements that the Government has had with its Indian counterpart on the lengthy delays in the trial.