‘Lovers Lane’ in Nausori poses threat to residents
Residents call the area where a man allegedly raped a 12-year-old female student at Lakena Irrigation Road, Nausori, ‘Lovers Lane’. Lalesh Kumar, 38, who has lived in the area for 10 years said ‘lovers’ frequented the road. “The road is well known to lovers who we see in parked vehicles, there are cases of people drinking and fighting on the road, and robberies almost every day. “We have been witnessing this for so many years now and we cannot do anything about it because the houses are far apart in this area and we are scared of our children’s safety,” Mr Kumar said.
Brij Lal, 72, a resident of the Lakena for over 50 years has witnessed many ‘lovers come and go every day.’
“I have witnessed so many cases of lovers spending time with each other in their vehicles and then leave,” Mr Lal said. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said the alleged incident happened on Thursday afternoon. Ms Naisoro said the suspect offered the victim a ride and took her to the Lakena Irrigation Road where he allegedly raped her. “The girl managed to fight off her attacker and freed herself and it is alleged the suspect then tried to run the victim over with his car.
“Later, on Thursday, the suspect again allegedly tried to lure another girl in a similar way. “However, she managed to fight off the suspect whereby the Police were able to get a clear description of the vehicle. “The suspect was arrested on Thursday night near Naduruloulou,” she said
He is in custody at the Nausori Police Station.