Daijiworld Media Network- Margao 

Margao, Feb 9: Margao District and sessions court has concluded the trial in the murder case of Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin, who was found dead in a field in Canacona on 14 March 2017.

Local resident Vikat Bhagat stands accused of raping and murdering the 28-year-old.

Canacona police had filed a chargesheet against Bhagat, charging him with murder, rape, theft, and destruction of evidence.

During the trial, the prosecution argued that Bhagat attempted to force himself on McLaughlin at an isolated location between Canacona and Agonda beaches. When she resisted, he allegedly struck her on the head with a beer bottle, raped, and then strangled her.

To support its case, the prosecution presented forensic evidence, stating that McLaughlin’s blood was found on Bhagat’s clothes and scooter. Additionally, a backpack containing the victim’s blood-stained clothing was recovered from a field near Bhagat’s residence in Canacona.

The court is set to pronounce its judgment on February 13.