National Federation Party former provisional candidate and dentist charged with one count of rape has been remanded in custody.

The 66-year-old man appeared before Nasinu Magistrate Sufia Hamza this morning.

The man allegedly raped his 53-year-old sister-in-law in her home in Nasinu last week.

It is alleged he asked the victim to rest at her home after attending a wedding in Suva and when she was inside her bedroom the suspect knocked on her the door and allegedly forced himself on her.

Defense lawyer Nancy Choo made a bail application on the ground that her client has four broken ribs and needs medical attention.

She also claimed that her client was beaten up while in custody.

Choo says her client was arrested in Suva at 1am last Friday and has not recovered.

The prosecution however objected to bail on the grounds that the offence is serious.

The prosecution also says there is a possibility of interference with the witness.

The prosecution says the case is of national interest and the accused can file formal application in the High Court.

Magistrate Hamza refused the bail application and has ordered the accused to be taken to the CWM hospital for further medical examination.

An interim restraining order has been issued against the accused.

The matter has been transferred to the Suva High court and will be called on July 13th.