A 36-year-old pastor alleged to have raped a 15-year-old student in Nausori has pleaded not guilty to his charges in the Suva high court today.

Ravinesh Chand of Nadali, Nausori is charged with three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

He is alleged to have committed the offenses on the student who is a member of his congregation in Nausori on 21^st March.

The defense also filed bail application.

They informed the court that Chand will be relocating to Labasa once bail is granted and the chances of him interfering with the witnesses will be minimum.

The State has been given time to file their response on the bail application.

Chand has been remanded in custody for bail hearing on 15th May.