A 36-year-old Pastor charged with sexual offenses appeared at the Nausori Magistrates court today.
Ravinesh Chand from Nadali has been charged with three counts of rape, one count of indecent assault and one count of sexual assault.
He is alleged to have committed the offenses on a 15-year-old student who is a member of his congregation in Luvuluvu last Thursday.
The Prosecution requested the court remand the accused in custody as it’s an indictable offense and added the case is also of public interest because the accused is alleged to have raped his church member.
However, the defense requested bail saying the accused will stay in Tuatua, Labasa, to ensure he doesn’t interfere with the girl.
The court was also informed by the defense the accused had a previous conviction in 2007 for impersonation.
The defense told the court the accused will look for another job as he will no longer be a pastor of the church.
The defense says this is an old matter. Chand has been remanded and will re-appear tomorrow for bail hearing.
-FBC
