A former police officer who allegedly raped a 17-year-old girl in Suva last year, has denied all allegations against him in the Suva High Court.
Michael Shalendra Pratap also told the court that he did not know the girl before the allegations were put against him.
Pratap while giving evidence as the defense witness confirmed that he was the last person to leave his office on the day of the alleged incident last year.
The former officer also told the court that he had gone to pick his wife and her colleague from work in Tamavua at the time of alleged incident.
However, during cross-examination by DPP lawyer Meli Vosawale, Pratap confirmed that he had seen the girl several times around the area where he worked.
Pratap also confirmed in court that he was not aware whether the gym where the alleged incident took place was locked however he did confirm that the gym had old mattresses in it.
He also revealed in court today that the green car that the victim had mentioned in this case with the words “Archangel Michael” written on it belonged to him.
DPP lawyer, Meli Vosawale had earlier 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 allegedly dragged the girl and raped her while she was on her way.
It is also alleged that Pratap also indecently assaulted the girl on the same day.
Pratap is charged with three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
