Police are investigating sexual assault allegations against a top official in the Fiji Mission of Seventh-day Adventists church.

The incident was reported in December last year at the Lautoka Police Station.

However, it allegedly took place between 1997 and 1998 when the complainant was a Year Nine student.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed the case was transferred to the Totogo Police Station.

She said Police were trying to get clarification because there was initial pressure for the victim to withdraw the case.

“Investigations are continuing despite receiving information that the victim was allegedly pressured to drop the case,” she said.

The official was said to be living in the school where the complainant was attending.

It is believed that the suspect requested the complainant to go in his vehicle so that he could get a bundle of dalo for her family.

The complainant sought legal advice from Lautoka lawyer Kevueli Tunidau.

Seventh-day Adventist Church Fiji general secretary Ronald Stone did not wish to comment.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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