A 23 year old farmer of Vunidawa is in police custody for allegedly raping his 13 year old cousin yesterday.

Divisional Crime Officer Eastern ASP Ramesh Chand has confirmed the alleged incident took place when the victim who is a class 7 student returned home after school.

The victim was staying with the suspect's family to attend school.

The girl sustained some injuries during the brutal attack.

The farmer has been charged with one count of rape and will appear in the Nausori Magistrates Court this afternoon.