Public outcry has come after a top Police officer, who is being investigated for child rape, remained on duty and was only sent on leave yesterday.

Reports that the officer was still on duty broke around midday. At 6pm, Police notified the media that the officer in question had been asked to take his pending leave.

Fiji Human Rights and Anti Discrimination Commission director Ashwin Raj said this raised serious questions about the independence of the investigation.

Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre confirmed that a report was lodged two months ago with the Fiji Police Force.

The centre said it was alleged that the Police officer who was in charge of a key Police station raped the girl, a daughter of a friend.

The Police officer received a medal while under investigation. This has caused an uproar with human rights and women’s rights bodies.

Mr Raj said in the interest of transparency and accountability without impunity, the Police office implicated in the alleged rape of a child should be suspended pending investigation.

“Rape is a heinous crime and to allow the alleged rapist continue to remain part of the Fiji Police force will derail public confidence,” he said.

“This raises serious questions about the independence of the investigations conducted by the Police into the alleged incident.

“There is a clear conflict of interest and abuse of power in terms of interfering with witnesses and those conducting investigations. The officer must be suspended from the institution as no one is above the law.”

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said the senior officer was directed to take all outstanding leave while awaiting the outcome of the investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigations Department.

“The investigation file once compiled will be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for independent sanctioning,” she said.

Minister for Defence and National Security Inia Seruiratu said to let investigations take its course.

Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre co–ordinator Shamima Ali said it was concerning because the government made a commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

She said not suspending the officer showed double standards. She said what kind of message was being sent when a senior police officer alleged to have raped a child was given a medal.