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- Dubai 04:25 05:43 12:19 15:46 18:50 20:09
Indian players celebrate the wicket of Zimbabwe's captain Graeme Creamer, during the T20 International cricket match between Zimbabwe and India at Harare Sports Club, Saturday, June, 18, 2016. (AP)
Two Indian nationals have been arrested in Harare after being accused of rape, but reports that they are members of the Indian cricket team are incorrect, officials in Zimbabwe confirmed on Sunday.
An article in a Zimbabwean publication claimed that an Indian player involved in the ongoing cricket tour to Zimbabwe had been picked up by police following an allegation made by a Zimbabwean woman.
However security officials looking after the team said that none of the players had been involved, which was confirmed by a Zimbabwean police spokesperson and the Indian Foreign Office.
The misleading reports appear to have stemmed from the Zimbabwe Republic Police's lack of familiarity with the Indian team.
One of the two men arrested was part of an Indian company that is contracted by Zimbabwe Cricket to engage with sponsors during incoming tours, and was in the country for the current series.
The two men appeared in court on Friday and were held in custody over the weekend. They are expected to apply for bail in the High Court on Monday.
A young and inexperienced Indian side whitewashed Zimbabwe 3-0 in a one-day series, but were shocked by two runs in the first Twenty20 international on Saturday.
The final two Twenty20 games of the tour will take place on Monday and Wednesday.
Earlier report
According to a report from newzimbabwe.com, an Indian cricketer was arrested by local police over allegations of rape in Harare, Zimbabwe.
However, Govt sources in New Delhi has confirmed to Times Now that no Indian cricketer has been arrested on rape charges in Zimbabwe.
India's ambassador to Zimbabwe R Masakui was seen at the Team’s hotel has said that no Indian cricketer was involved in the case.
An Indian affiliated with one of the sponsors was arrested. He was staying in the same hotel as the Indian cricket team and has denied the charge.
The accused said he is ready for a DNA test to prove his innocence.
The Meikel’s hotel in Harare is where the Indian team have been residing.
Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs (India) refuted the claims and said that the Indian national who was arrested is no way associated with the Indian cricket team.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Charity Charamba confirmed the incident saying, "There are allegations of rape against an Indian national by a Zimbabwe woman."
"As Police are bound by the law when such serious matters arise and we investigate. We have investigated and forwarded the case to the courts for determination and we wait for the outcome. He appeared in the court today."
According to newzimbabwe.com, a close source to the developments has revealed that the woman accused the cricketer to have drugged her and later abusing her.
Further details on the case are awaited.
The Indian team is currently on a tour to Zimbabwe for the T-20 series. The Indian team had won ODI matches 3-0 against the hosts, however, it has lost the first of T-20 matches by two runs to the host in the ongoing series.
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