The first witness in the trial of accused murderer and rapist Vikat Bhagat has been subjected to harassment from members of his gang, it was alleged this week.
The trial continued yesterday in Goa, India of 23 year-old Vikat Bhagat, who faces charges of rape and murder of Buncrana woman Danielle McLaughlin. The 28-year-old tourist was found dead in the Canacona resort on March 14th 2017.
Known criminal Vikat Bhagat has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, murder, violent robbery and destruction of evidence.
This week in court, the Independent.ie reports that Judge Sayonara Telles had instructed the media not to report on the second witness’s name or details of their deposition.
Sources have claimed that threatening phone calls were made to the first witness in the trial and it is alleged these calls were from members of the gang Bhagat is believed to belong to.
The second witness in court yesterday was present when Indian police carried out a detailed investigation at the scene where Ms McLaughlin’s body was found.
The court heard evidence critical to the Panchanama – a mediator’s report which is a statement of persons present at the scene of the offence. The Mediator’s reports record all details of evidence found at the scene, including a sketch and description of the scene, along with noting the persons present at the scene. All articles are then stored in a sealed envelope to be presented to the court during the trial and are critical to the court’s proceedings.
The trial is expected to continue next month.
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