Man charged with murder after female tourist found dead in Goa
A man has been charged after a young female tourist was found dead near a beach in Goa.
The body of Danielle McLaughlin, who had dual British and Irish citizenship, was discovered in an isolated spot close to tourist resorts in Canacona on Tuesday.
Ms McLaughlin, 28, had injuries on her face and head.
A post-mortem examination confirmed she had been raped before being strangled.
A 24-year-old man, whose name has been reported as Vikat Bhagat, has been arrested and charged with rape and murder.
Bhagat, who has been described as a ‘local criminal’ in Indian media, was already facing several unrelated charges for robbery and assault.
The Foreign Office said they are liaising closely with Indian police.
"We are supporting the family of a British-Irish woman following her death in Goa, India. Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time," a spokesman said.
Last year, an Indian court cleared two men of raping and killing British teenager Scarlett Keeling.
The 15-year-old was found dead on Goa’s popular Anjuna beach in 2008, having drowned after allegedly being plied with drugs
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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