Military Officer Allegedly Raped His Stepdaughter

A 48-year-old military officer of Lami facing rape charges appeared in the Magistrates Court on Monday.

The accused appeared before Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama.

He is facing three counts of raping his 17-year-old stepdaughter.

The first alleged offence of rape is said to have occurred between 2011 and 2014.

The second alleged offence of rape is said to have occurred between January and March, 2016.

The third alleged offence of rape is said to have occurred between May, 2017, and October, 2018.

The accused had opted to be legally represented by the Legal Aid Commission.

Police prosecutor Corporal Monish Chandra had served the accused with full phase disclosures.

He also requested for an interim domestic violence restraining order to be issued on the grounds that the accused was the complainant’s stepfather.

Magistrate Bodaragama then issued the interim DVRO and remanded the accused in custody.

He transferred the matter to the High Court in Suva and said the offence that the accused was charged with was an indictable offence and could only be trialed by the High Court.

Magistrate Bodaragama also told the accused to file a notice of alibi if he wished to within 21 days.

The case was adjourned to June 10 for first call in the High Court.

Edited by Susana Tuilau

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