A court in the western Indian state of Goa has sentenced a 31-year-old man to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of an Irish woman, an incident that occurred nearly eight years ago at a popular tourist site.

The victim, 28-year-old Danielle McLaughlin, was discovered deceased on a beach frequented by holidaymakers in March 2017. An autopsy revealed that her death was caused by cerebral damage and strangulation.

Vikat Bhagat was convicted of the crime following a trial that concluded with the verdict on Friday. The family of McLaughlin expressed gratitude to the public prosecutor and the investigation team for their efforts in securing justice for her.

In India, it is common for the identities of rape victims to remain confidential due to legal protections. However, in this instance, McLaughlin’s family chose to publicly speak about her case in an effort to bring attention to the serious issues surrounding violence against women.

This tragic case has drawn attention to the ongoing problem of violence against women in India, despite the implementation of stricter sexual assault laws that were introduced following the infamous 2012 gang-rape incident in New Delhi.

Goa, known for its picturesque beaches and vibrant tourist scene, attracts millions of visitors each year, making it a popular destination for backpackers and holidaymakers alike.