An 85-year-old man is charged with raping of an 11-year-old girl.

Govind Sami Raju appeared before Magistrate Sufia Hamza at the Nasinu Magistrates Court yesterday.

Raju is charged with one count each for indecent assault and rape between April and May 2016.

Count one is indecent assault and it allegedly took place on April 19, 2016 and the second count is rape which took place between May 1 and May 28, 2016.

Defence lawyer Jitten Reddy applied for bail, which was objected to by Police prosecutor Raymond Filipe on the grounds that the offence was serious, it is an indictable offence and the matter is of public interest. He also brought to the court’s attention that the accused may interfere with the case if he is released.

The victim is admitted in the hospital and Police are still waiting on her medical report to determine further investigation.

The accused has been remanded and the court has been adjourned for a bail ruling tomorrow.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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