Runaway rapist pastor surrenders

RUNAWAY pastor Ravinesh Chand said he fled from court last week on Tuesday because he did not expect to be convicted of raping and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.

The 38-year-old was sentenced in absentia to 14 years imprisonment by the High Court in Suva.

He surrendered himself to police last Sunday and appeared before High Court judge Justice Daniel Goundar yesterday, facing a further charge of contempt of court. Chand maintained he did not commit the offences.

The court heard evidence from Assistant Superintendent of Police Saimoni Qase who had led a team to apprehend Chand.

Mr Qase said the case was of national interest and more than 20 police officers were involved in the manhunt. He said Chand’s family was not co-operative and gave the police false information during the investigation.

Mr Qase said it was only after his wife and family members were taken into custody that he surrendered himself. State lawyer Swastika Sharma told the court they were intending to charge Chand with absconding bail and would inform the police in due process.

Chand pleaded guilty to contempt of court and Justice Goundar sentenced him to one month imprisonment to be served consecutively with his 14-year term.

He will be eligible for parole after serving 11 years.