New Delhi: The mother of a woman who was raped and murdered in India has been left “devastated” after her daughter’s alleged killer applied for bail citing Covid-19 delays.
Danielle McLaughlin, from Buncrana in Co Donegal, was found dead in a secluded spot in Canacona, an area of Goa popular with holidaymakers, in March 2017.
The 28-year-old’s alleged killer, Vikat Bhagat, has now applied to be released on bail, citing a “bleak” likelihood of a trial taking place in the near future due to the “prevailing pandemic condition”.
Ms McLaughlin’s mother, Andrea Brannigan, has told the PA news agency she is “terrified” the 28-year-old suspect will be free when he applies for bail on Monday.
The victim had travelled to Goa with an Australian female friend and the pair were staying in a beach hut. They had been celebrating Holi – a Hindu spring festival – at a nearby village.
Speaking ahead of the court hearing, Ms Brannigan told PA: “I was devastated to learn that the defendant has applied for bail and it’s just brought all the horrific memories of what happened to my daughter back to the surface. “I am terrified that the court is going to set him free on bail.
“It’s been four years since I lost my beautiful daughter and it’s as painful today as it ever has been.
“To have to wait this long for justice has just been truly awful for us and we cannot get closure until justice is done. Web Desk
