Daijiworld Media Network- Margao
Margao, Feb 18: In a significant verdict, a Goa court on Monday sentenced Vikat Bhagat to two rigorous life terms for the 2017 rape and murder of a 28-year-old Irish national in Canacona. The judgment marks the conclusion of an eight-year-long legal battle.
Additional district and sessions judge Kshama Joshi, who convicted Bhagat on February 14, pronounced the sentence, awarding him two life imprisonments under IPC Section 302 (murder) and Section 376 (rape). The court clarified that both sentences will run concurrently, ensuring that Bhagat remains in prison for the rest of his life. Additionally, he was fined Rs 25,000 for each of these offences.
Apart from the life terms, the court also sentenced Bhagat to three years in jail under Section 201 IPC for destruction of evidence, along with an additional fine of Rs 10,000.
Bhagat, 31, was brought to court under heavy security. He showed no visible emotion as the verdict was read out.
The victim, a former Liverpool John Moores University student, was found murdered in a remote field in Canacona in March 2017. Forensic examinations confirmed that she died due to cerebral damage and strangulation. Her autopsy also revealed severe facial and head injuries inflicted with a broken bottle.
The prosecution, led by lawyer Vikram Varma, expressed satisfaction with the ruling. “This was a long legal battle, but justice has been served,” Varma stated. “The victim’s family is relieved that this chapter has reached closure.”
With no eyewitnesses to the crime, the prosecution built a strong case based on circumstantial evidence. Key findings included injury marks on Bhagat’s groin and thigh, believed to have resulted from the assault. Investigators also recovered the victim’s blood on his clothing and scooter, while a blood-stained backpack was found near his residence in Canacona.
“Since the crime took place in a secluded forest area, proving Bhagat’s guilt required meticulously piecing together the circumstantial evidence,” Varma explained.
CCTV footage captured the victim walking alongside Bhagat in the hours before her death. She had earlier been celebrating Holi at Green Park Resort near Palolem Beach with an Australian friend. Bhagat, known to the victim from her previous visits to India, was seen accompanying her before she disappeared.
The case witnessed multiple delays over the years. Initially, Bhagat confessed to the crime but later retracted his statement in a detailed 29-page letter, alleging the involvement of three others. However, police investigations ruled out any additional suspects.
The victim’s family, in a statement issued earlier, expressed their gratitude to the embassies, legal representatives, and investigating officers who worked towards securing justice.