By NALINEE SEELAL Monday, January 21 2013

A SOLDIER, an Air Guard officer and a plumber, all in their early 20s, were yesterday detained at their Rio Claro home for the rape of a 14-year-old schoolgirl.

The three were expected to be charged late yesterday for the rape and abduction following instructions from Assistant Commissioner of Police Wayne Dick, who is in charge of the Eastern Division.

Police said the schoolgirl was walking along a lonely road close to her home last Sunday when she was forced into a house where the three men took turns in raping her.

The victim was allowed to return home after the ordeal.

Police said the girl told a close relative what happened and a report was made to the Rio Claro police days after the incident.

The girl was medically examined by a doctor who confirmed that she had been raped.

Officers of the Rio Claro Police Station took a statement from the girl, who took them to the room where she was allegedly raped.

Yesterday, following instructions by Dick, a party of officers went to the suspects’ homes where they first detained the soldier, the Air Guard officer and his brother, the plumber.

The three were taken to the Rio Claro Police Station where they were expected to be charged late yesterday.

Defence Force Military Affairs Officer Major Al Alexander confirmed that the two officers were in police custody and Chief of Defence Staff Major General Kenrick Maharaj was informed of the incident.

Newsday understands the soldier and Air Guard officer could face being discharged from the army for dishonourable conduct if they are found guilty of the allegation.