The mother of a 28-year-old woman who was murdered whilst backpacking in India in 2017 fears her daughter’s killer may be freed.
Vikat Bhagat was found guilty of the rape and murder of Danielle McLaughlin in February, after a gruelling murder trial that spanned almost 8 years – making it one of the longest murder trials ever.
However just eight months after his sentencing to life in prison for Danielle’s murder, Bhagat may possibly be set free.
Bhagat has launched an appeal of his conviction, and he has applied to the Indian High Court to be let free whilst his appeal is processed, according to UTV News.
Danielle’s mother, Andrea Brannigan, told UTV of her fears if Bhagat is released from prison during his appeal.
“They told us that the appeal could take up to two years to be heard… it’s scary,” she said.
“He would be a danger to other people, and I would be scared that he would do it again to some other vulnerable person (if released).”
You can view her full interview with UTV here.
Mother of Danielle McLaughlin fears killer may be freed upon appeal was last modified: October 4th, 2025 by Staff Writer