Goa, Feb. 18 -- KARSTEN MIRANDA

karsten@herald-goa.com

MARGAO: In a detailed 350-page judgment, the South District and Sessions Court meticulously pieced together the circumstantial evidence that led to Vikat Bhagat's conviction in the rape and murder of British-Irish tourist Danielle McLaughlin. Judge Kshama Joshi's observations revealed a disturbing pattern of violence and attempts to conceal the crime.

The court strongly rejected the defense's argument of consensual relations, making significant observations about consent that could have far-reaching implications in sexual assault cases. Judge Joshi emphasized that intoxication cannot be an excuse in cases of rape and that if a woman is intoxicated, she is not mentally capable of gi...