A 17-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by a former police officer is currently giving evidence behind closed doors in the Suva High Court.
Former police officer Michael Shalendra Pratap is charged with three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
While opening his case, DPP lawyer Meli Vosawale told the court that on 22nd January last year, the girl returned from school and she was sent by her mother to deliver a message to her father.
The court was informed that 41-year-old Pratap dragged the girl and raped her while she was on her way.
Vosawale also told the assessors that Pratap also indecently assaulted the girl.
Vosawale told the assessors to consider the age difference between the accused and the victim.
The prosecution is expected to produce 13 witnesses.
