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Indian Court Sentences Man to Life for Rape and Murder of Irish Woman
Verdict Delivered After Nearly Eight Years
A 31-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by an Indian court for the rape and murder of a young Irish woman in Goa. The judgment was delivered nearly eight years after the crime took place.
Incident Details
The victim, aged 28 at the time, visited Goa in March 2017, where she befriended Vikat Bhagat, the man now convicted of the crime. Her body was later found in a forested area near Palolem Beach, bearing multiple injuries, including those on her face.
Court’s Decision and Investigation Findings
The court ruled in favor of life imprisonment for Bhagat. Investigating officer Filomeno Costa confirmed the sentencing, while the victim’s lawyer, Vikram Varma, acknowledged that although no sentence could compensate for the loss, the verdict provided some relief to the family.
Forensic reports revealed that the victim had been raped and that her face was smashed with a beer bottle in an attempt to obstruct identification.
Defense Plea for Leniency
Bhagat’s lawyers sought a lenient sentence, but the court upheld the life term. Media reports mentioned this appeal, though Reuters could not immediately reach the defense team for comments.
Legal Reforms and Continuing Challenges
India has tightened its laws on rape and established fast-track courts following the 2012 Delhi gang rape case. However, judicial delays remain an issue. While the government initially projected 2,600 fast-track courts, the target was later reduced to 790 by 2026.
Similar Cases Highlight Ongoing Concerns
Last month, another court sentenced a police volunteer to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata. These cases continue to highlight the challenges in addressing gender-based violence despite legal reforms.
“Indian Court Sentences Man to Life for Rape and Murder of Irish Woman” “Indian Court Sentences Man to Life for Rape and Murder of Irish Woman”