A CHURCH pastor charged with three counts of rape, one count each of indecent and sexual assault was denied bail by the Nausori Magistrates Court this afternoon.
It is alleged the incident happened on March 21 in Luvuluvu, Nausori where Ravinesh Chand allegedly committed the acts on a 15-year-old female church member.
Presiding over the case, Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne said the three rape charges and sexual assault were indictable offences that needs to be transferred to the High Court.
Police prosecutor told the court the 36-year-old suspect should be remanded in custody for the safety of the victim.
“The accused is a pastor and the victim is a church member. He also has a previous conviction of impersonation. The charges on him are serious sexual offences and it needs to be taken into consideration,” the police prosecutor said.
Defence lawyer Jiten Reddy said it would be unfair to remand the accused before the trial started.
The case has been adjourned tomorrow where the accuse will file for bail application.
