A 42-year-old Police officer charged in relation to the alleged rape of a minor last month, appeared at the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday.

Michael Shalendra Pratap appeared before Magistrate Jioji Boseiwaqa. He is charged with three counts of rape.

It is alleged that on the January 22, Pratap allegedly committed the offence at a Police compound in Suva.

Police prosecutor, Constable Sanil Kumar objected to a bail application citing the offence was an indictable one.

Constable Kumar also made an application to transfer the matter to High Court.

He asked the court for the accused to be further remanded in custody because he would interfere with Prosecution witnesses.

Defence lawyer Seremaia Waqainabete said although they knew the offence was serious; he said the fact that his client was a Police officer should make it easier for him to be granted bail.

Mr Waqainabete said his client was a person who understood the law and his responsibilities in upholding the law in terms of security.

He also informed the court that his client had children and a wife to feed.

Magistrate Boseiwaqa ordered that because of the seriousness of the allegations, the accused would be further remanded in custody before the case would be called in the High Court.

He said the accused would then be able to apply for bail. The case has been adjourned to February 12.

Edited by Maikeli Seru.

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