A man has been found guilty in India of the rape and murder of Danielle McLaughlin in 2017.

Local 31-year-old man Vikat Bhagat was found guilty today at the District and Sessions Court in South Goa, India.

Donegal native, Ms McLaughlin, had turned 28-years-old the month before her death.

She had only been in India for two weeks when she was killed, following a trip home for her birthday celebrations.

On March 14th 2017, a farmer found Ms McLaughlin’s body in a field in a remote area near Canacona, Goa.

It was determined she had been raped and murdered.

Danielle McLaughlin. Image: File photo

In a statement, the Tánaiste said his thoughts are with Danielle’s family as they “continue to grieve the loss of their beloved daughter and sister”.

“I have been made aware of the guilty verdict issued in the murder trial concerning Danielle McLaughlin who was killed while travelling in India in 2017,” he said.

“I would like to pay tribute to Danielle’s family, and in particular, to her mother Andrea for her determination and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

“In partnership with the UK, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – through the Embassy in New Delhi, Consulate General in Mumbai and Consular Assistance Unit in Dublin – has been consistently engaged on this case to seek progress towards a conclusion to the court case.

“While nothing can ease the pain of their loss, I hope that this verdict represents some closure for the family.”

Tánaiste Simon Harris ended his statement, saying, “May Danielle rest in peace”.

Danielle McLaughlin. Image: File photo

In October of 2024, Danielle's mother Andrea Brannigan told Lunchtime Live she last spoke to her daughter the day before she was killed.

"Danielle text me to say she was with her friends and that she was safe," she said.

After numerous extensions to the trials, Ms Brannigan had said she wanted the trial to be over.

"I need it concluded - Danielle has young sisters - we all need to move on [and] just grieve," she said.
Ms Brannigan said she wants her daughter to be remembered "for her, not for what happened her".

Ms McLaughlin had spent time in India previously as a volunteer in an orphanage and was planning to learn to teach yoga while travelling and eventually move to Canada.

Main image: Danielle McLaughlin - file photo