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Worcester police officer arrested for allegedly raping, robbing woman

WORCESTER, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – A Worcester police officer is on administrative leave after being arrested on rape, witness intimidation, armed robbery and other charges.

Late last summer, Officer Rajat Sharda allegedly asked a woman, while in uniform, what lengths she would go to in order to avoid being arrested, The Worcester Telegram and Gazette reported. Sharda, 32, of Worcester was arrested Monday night and arraigned Tuesday on aggravated rape, extortion by a police officer, open and gross lewdness, armed robbery and witness intimidation charges.

Worcester police found out about the incident, which occurred on Bancroft Tower Road, from the victim. While the case was being investigated, Sharda was put on restricted duty. The victim told investigators that Sharda exposed himself to her and raped her digitally, the Telegram reported. Sharda is also accused of stealing the woman's bed sheet at gun point and threatening her and her family.

Sharda pleaded not guilty Tuesday, posted $7,500 bail and was ordered to turn in his passport. He is due next in court on March 25.

For more: telegram.com.