By Scott J. Croteau TELEGRAM
& GAZETTE STAFF
WORCESTER — The city confirmed today that
Rajat Sharda, a 32-year-old man accused of rape while working as a police
officer in Worcester, is no longer employed. City officials did not say whether
he was fired.
City records show Mr. Sharda's
employment as a police officer in Worcester ended Sept. 26. His employment
start date is listed as Dec. 25, 2011.
Mr. Sharda has pleaded not
guilty in Worcester Superior Court to sexual assault charges stemming from an
alleged August 2013 incident at Bancroft Tower. Authorities said he was on duty
at the time.
The former officer was arrested
Feb. 3. Records on file in court said Mr. Sharda allegedly asked a woman what
she would be willing to do to avoid arrest and "made her do something
against her will in exchange for not being arrested."
The woman told investigators
the officer exposed himself to her, raped her digitally and threatened her and
her family if she told anyone.
Mr. Sharda was placed on paid
administrative leave after he was charged in February in Central District
Court. He was indicted June 20 on charges of rape, open and gross lewdness,
witness intimidation and larceny. Mr. Sharda pleaded not guilty at his
arraignment in Superior Court in July.
Mr. Sharda is out on $7,500
cash bail and is to return to court Oct. 17.
The former officer was part of
the Police Department's 2009 graduating class, which was laid off. He was
brought back in December 2011.