The 29-year-old man who allegedly abducted and raped a 4-year-old girl in Labasa has been remanded in custody.
The man appeared before Labasa Magistrate Bimsara Jagodage this afternoon.
The accused had opted to be represented by Legal Aid.
The Prosecution had objected to bail as the girl is a minor, there was a breach of trust in the community and due to the seriousness of the offence.
It was heard in court that the man and the girl are closely related.
Police had earlier stated that the girl, while in her room on Monday night, was allegedly abducted from inside her bedroom and taken a few metres from her home, where the accused committed the offence.
The girl’s father was alerted of the incident when he heard his daughter crying.
Police say the girl was rushed to the Labasa Hospital, where she was treated and is back home with her family.
The accused is charged with one count of rape and one count of child stealing.
The case has been transferred to Labasa High Court and will be called again on the 27th of this month.