Danielle McLaughlin trial to be expedited, Bombay High Court directs

The Bombay High Court has ordered that the trial of Vikat Bhagat - accused of the 2017 murder of Buncrana backpacker Danielle McLaughlin - be expedited.

The court directed that the trial conclude within one year.

A bail application from Bhagat was dismissed. He sought bail citing that he has been in jail for six and a half years and the trial is not close to completion.

The court also heard that there have been 14 reports of alleged misconduct by Bhagat during his time behind bars.

Bhagat, the lone accused in the case, has been convicted in as many as six cases filed against him for different offences of the IPC.

The court noted that Vikat's conduct in jail has seen him assault fellow inmates and staff.

Justice MS Karnik said the court was not able to release Bhagat in considering the submission of the Addl. Public Prosecutor that the accused is responsible for protracting the trial.

Justice Karnik said: “The trial court is requested to expedite the trial and conclude the same preferably within one year from today. The applicant cooperated with the trial court in the expeditious disposal of the trial.”

The 28-year-old Ms McLaughlin was found dead in a secluded area of the Canacona resort on March 14, 2017.

Bhagat has been charged with rape and murder and the McLaughlin family have become increasingly frustrated at the lack of haste in court proceedings.

The High Court has now directed the trial court to expedite the trial and conclude it within one year.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said that ensuring a quick conclusion to the trial is a ‘significant priority’ for the Government. The Department said that concerns over the pace of the trial have been raised with the relevant local authorities.