Conn. Woman Files Suit Against Mass. City, Ex-Cop Convicted of 2013 Rape

The suit was filed in August and recently moved to federal court

A Connecticut woman has filed a lawsuit against a former Massachusetts police officer convicted of raping her while on duty, alleging he violated her civil rights. 

The Telegram & Gazette reports that the Putnam, Connecticut woman is also suing the city of Worcester, former City Manager Michael O'Brien and former police Chief Gary Gemme. 

The suit was filed in August and recently moved to federal court. It claims O'Brien, the city and Gemme failed to hold police officers accountable for misuse of their arresting powers. 

Rajat Sharda was convicted last year of rape and other charges in the August 2013 incident. He was sentenced to up to seven years in prison. 

An attorney for the city, Gemme and O'Brien says Sharda "bears sole responsibility for his actions.'

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