201 Hearings Concluded Of Danielle McLaughlin Rape & Murder Trial
IG Prison of Goa Police yet to file a reply on alleged assault on accused Vikat Bhagat by Prison Deptt officials. No details of Medical Examination report available.
201st hearing of Danielle McLaughlin Rape and Murder trial took place yesterday. Accused Vikat Bhagat was produced from Central Jail Colvale to the Court; but Defence lawyer Mr.C Franco failed to appear for the accused.
Accused had earlier alleged of physical assault on him by the Prison Deptt officials of Colvale Jail, and subsequent to that Hon'ble Court ordered medical examination of the accused and also directed IG Prison to be present with the report.
The Court had also directed Inspector General Prison to file a reply, about the accused being assaulted in the prison.
While on 21st June 2023 hearing, which was 200th hearing of the trial; Additional Inspector General of Prisons, Mr.Vasuev Shetye presented the medical report of the accused in front of the Hon'ble Court; but nothing forthcoming, regarding what does the report contains, or the extent of the injuries to the accused, if any.
Yesterday morning, as per Court's directive, IG Prison had to file his reply; in the Court regarding the alleged assault, but he failed to do so.
While there has been other cases recently, where some of the prisoners alleged mistreatment and bullying on them by Prison staff; hence it would not be too stretched to say, that accused Vikat Bhagat also, might have been assaulted; but the important point to know, is that why that assault happened? And this could come only after the "reply" from IG Prison has been received.
Hon'ble Court has given another opportunity to IG Prison, to file his reply; and hopefully, on 3rd of July 2023; it should happen.
With hardly any information available regarding the "Medical Examination" or the alleged assault; Victim's family is again in the dark; as in what is happening actually right now.
In last 3 Hearings; the accused has been produced twice to the court physically; and once he was produced via VC.
With the scant information available on Court Website; there seems to be some movement regarding deposition of witness and summons being served; but it all seems too little.
The trial is still not being fast-tracked; though the pace of hearings has certainly shown some improvement.
The important question still remains to be answered as in whether the alleged assault on accused Vikat Bhagat by Prison Officials took place or not? If Yes, then what was the reason?