Indians held for rape in Harare, govt says no cricketer involved

HARARE / NEW DELHI: Zimbabwean media reports that a member of the Indian cricket team was arrested in Harare for raping a local woman are incorrect, agencies quoted

HARARE / NEW DELHI: Zimbabwean media reports that a member of the Indian cricket team was arrested in Harare for raping a local woman are incorrect, agencies quoted officials as saying on Sunday. Two Indian nationals unconnected with the team were held in this regard, they clarified.

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The Indian team, which is in Harare for an 11-day limited overs series, was unwittingly drawn into a controversy when local media reports claimed one of the visiting players was arrested for rape. However, a security officer assisting the team later said none of the players were involved – a statement confirmed by Indian authorities as well as a police spokesperson.

The officer told AFP that the misleading report seems to have stemmed from the Zimbabwean police’s lack of familiarity with the Indian team.

One of the arrested people was identified as the employee of an Indian company contracted by Zimbabwe Cricket to engage with sponsors during tours. The two accused appeared in court on Friday, and were placed under detention. They are expected to apply for bail on Monday.

Multiple sources — including Indian ambassador to Zimbabwe R Masakui, the ministry of external affairs (MEA), and Board of Control for Cricket in India( BC CI) chief Anurag Thakur — clarified that no member of the national team was involved.

“This is an unfortunate incident. However, this is to clarify that no cricketer is involved. We are seeking consular access to the two accused, and the Indian embassy in Harare is following up the case. We will keep the Indian government updated on the developments,” Masakui was quoted as saying by PTI.

An MEA source said the government has contacted Masakui, and found the report to be “totally false”. “No Indian cricketer is involved. An Indian affiliated with one of the sponsors has been arrested. He has also denied the charge, and is ready to undergo a DNA test to prove his innocence,” the source added.

The BCCI president also confirmed the non-involvement of anybody related to the board. “I just want to make it clear that neither BCCI employees nor its match officials and players have anything to do with this incident,” Thakur said.

The Indian cricket team, led by captain MS Dhoni, swept the ODIs 3-0. However, they trail in the T20 series after losing the first game on Saturday. The second game in the three-match series will be played on Monday.