An investigation is underway following the alleged rape of a 16-year-old student by six people.

The incident was reported to the Rakiraki Police Station yesterday by the victim's mother.

The incident is alleged to have occurred on Monday night when the student was returning from her aunt's place.

The youngest suspect is a Class 8 student while two are form five students.

The others are aged 35, 21 and 19 years.

It is alleged that two of the suspects had forcefully taken her from near the village church and led her to a small shed at a sugar cane field where the other four suspects were waiting.

Following the alleged rape the victim informed her grandfather.

Police Spokesperson, Ana Naisoro said an attempt to seek forgiveness by the suspects through a presentation of yaqona was refused by the victim's mother upon which a report was lodged at the Rakiraki Police Station.

Naisoro said this is a serious case and investigators are currently questioning the suspects.

She added that the continuous disregard for the respect for our women and children will not be condoned and those who think they can continue to carry out such acts of violation will face the full consequences of the law.

Story by: Dhanjay Deo