Danielle McLaughlin Trial # 205 : Intent v/s Capability of Goa Police & State Prosecution.
43 Rapes in Goa in last 6 Months, Chargesheet filed in only 20. 40 Molestation, 24 Kidnappings. How many not reported?
205th Hearing of Irish girl, 28 year old Danielle McLaughlin concluded on Friday, 21st July 2023.
The quantum of business conducted in this one particular hearing, surpasses of many previous hearings; and undoubtedly would count as “The Hearing” in which the maximum amount of business was conducted, since 4th July 2017.
A very unexpected occurrence was also, that accused Vikat Bhagat was produced in the court by Goa Police,this when Legislative assembly in session, along with G20 ministers summit and incessant rains lashing the state.
All this was not happenstance. It all happened, after the ruling of Hon'ble High Court of Bombay at Goa, instructing the Trial Court, to conclude the trial within a year on 17th July 2023..
This brings to forth many questions, specially about Intent and Capability.
Let's first discuss the Capability of the Judiciary system and Goa Police.
While Judiciary is severely dependent on Law Enforcement, for smooth and fast conclusion of trial; Goa Police had been almost siding and protecting the accused, with a lot of preferential treatment; the prosecution failed to question the largess given to accused by Goa Police.
While the Goa Police failed to get the summons served, returned and Witness available for hearing; time and time again; Prosecution and State failed to brought it to the notice of Hon'ble Court; the delay tactics, due to which the Trial has languished for more than 6 years now.
All this kept on happening, despite the promises being made to fast-track the trial; the representations being made by senior diplomats of both Ireland and United Kingdom, as Danielle held dual passport.
Notwithstanding, the gravity of crime; it's gruesome and heinous nature; which has since then certainly brought a A LOT OF SHAME TO GOA; and it's famed Tourism.
If the bail application would not have been made by accused Vikat Bhagat at High Court; and High Court would not have made a stricture and set a deadline, things would not have moved so quickly.
So, while so much can be achieved in one hearing; Capability or the lack of in fact, is not the question any more.
So, Intent?
Why there was lack of intent on the part of Goa Police and State Prosecution to conclude the trial quickly ad get the victim and her family&friends swift justice; is just an easy guess for anyone.
As, evident in the Felix Dahl Murder Trial; the nepotism displayed by Goa Police has been at fore, in this case too. The state prosecutors who handled the case earlier, are equally to blame; for showing absolute lack of intent.
The intervention of High Court happened, only due to providence.
Goa has seen 43 Rape cases in last 6 months itself; and a total of 119 Crimes, including 40 cases of molestation and equally shocking 24 Kidnappings. Out of the 43 Cases of Rapes in last 6 months, Chargesheet has been filed only in 20 cases.
Such providence would not happen with every other victim; or if it has to happen; it would take a lot of gestation with stroke of luck; till then victim and their family&friends would have to suffer.
Now, Danielle and her family & friends HOPE that the trial continues in the similar fast-track manner; since incapability of Goa Police and State Prosecution is ruled out; and the Hon'ble High Court has set the "Intent" right.
Paul Caldwell, a childhood friend of Danielle McLaughlin, sings in the memory of Danielle; a song which sums up the emotions and feelings of Danielle's family & friend; and everyone whom she touched, directly and indirectly.