Bench warrant issued for pastor found guilty of rape

High Court Judge, Justice Daniel Goundar has issued a bench warrant against the pastor who has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault.

Ravinesh Chand who was the pastor of Hindi Christian Fellowship Mission was charged with 3 counts of rape and one count of sexual assault and the sentence hearing took place this afternoon in absentia.

Chand’s lawyer, Iqbal Khan informed the court that he last spoke to Chand at 1pm.

Khan also told the court that Chand had gone to meet his wife.

He says he called Chand’s phone a number of times but there was no answer.

Justice Goundar says he will sentence Chand tomorrow morning even if Chand is not present in court.

Chand raped and sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl in March in Nausori last year.