Irish woman Danielle McLaughlin's murder trial to be fast-tracked in India
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Irish woman Danielle McLaughlin's murder trial to be fast-tracked in India

THE murder trial of Irish woman Danielle McLaughlin is expected to be fast-tracked in India, her family has said. 

Ms McLaughlin, 28, was murdered and raped while travelling in Goa in March this year.

She had been participating in Holi celebrations in the area with a friend prior to her death.

An Indian national Vikat Bhagat is charged in connection with her murder.

In a statement, Ms McLaughlin's family said: "[We] are still trying to cope with and come to terms with the tragedy that has occurred.

"Danielle’s family remain hopeful that the truth in relation to Danielle’s untimely death will be made known and that justice in her memory will be done.

"It is expected that the trial of Vikat Bhagat, who remains the only person charged in connection with the case, will take place soon as it is being ‘fast-tracked’ by the Indian authorities."

Alongside their Irish solicitor Desmond J Doherty, the McLaughlin family also announced the addition of Vikram Varma, a Goa-based attorney, to their legal team to represent the family in India when the case comes to trial.

They also said the post-mortem carried out on Danielle when her remains were returned to Ireland confirmed her cause of death as brain damage and strangulation, in line with the post-mortem in India.

"Danielle’s family wish to express their sincere gratitude to the Coroner’s office in Dublin and the Chief State Pathologist, Dr. Marie Cassidy for their help.

"Dr. Cassidy, with meticulous precision, has completed the second post-mortem report in relation to Danielle.

"Dr Cassidy’s report, among other things, confirms the cause of Danielle’s death in line with the first Indian post-mortem report."

They also said they have received the 'Charge' documentation in the case from prosecution authorities in India.