Two Arrested in Zimbabwe Rape Case, Cricketers Given Clean Chit

The incident allegedly occurred in the hotel where the Indian cricket team is staying during the ODI series.

The Indian cricket team leaving the pitch after the end of their innings in the India-Zimbabwe ODI. (Photo: AP)

Two Indian nationals were arrested for allegedly raping a girl in Harare, Zimbabwe on Sunday, local police said.

The two accused were identified as Krishna Satyanarayan, who is associated with ITW Sports, and Rajkumar Krishnan, a Zambia-based businessman.

They were staying at Meikles Hotel, where the rape is alleged to have happened.

The Indian cricket team is also staying at the hotel, which led to speculations that one of the cricketers was involved in the alleged incident. The report was later dismissed.

Responding to the arrest, iTeamWorks, in a email titled “Zimbabwe Molestation Case”, expressed shock at the incident. “We are at this stage trying to ascertain the exact facts of the case and the nature of allegations. We will provide our full co-operation to the concerned authorities,” the statement said.

Series of Events

The Indian cricket team’s Zimbabwe tour ran into controversy on 19 June after the Zimbabwean media reported that an unnamed Indian cricketer had been arrested on charges of rape.

The reports stated that India’s ambassador to the African nation, R Masakui had tried to prevent the player’s arrest at a Harare hotel.

However, Masakui outrightly rejected the media speculation by clarifying that the people arrested were not associated with the Indian squad which is currently engaged in a limited-overs series against Zimbabwe.

The Ministry of External Affairs denied media reports.

We have spoken to our Ambassador to Zimbabwe. The report is 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 said he is ready for a DNA test to prove his innocence. Our Ambassador is following the matter closely.

Ministry of External Affairs

R Masakui also said no member of the Indian cricket team was involved in the incident.

This is an unfortunate incident. However, this is to clarify that no cricketer is involved in this. We are seeking Counsellor access to persons and the Indian Embassy in Harare is following up with this case and will inform the government of India of the developments.

The BCCI also stepped in to clarify that none of its players or officials were involved in the alleged incident.

There is no truth in these allegations. There is no Indian cricketer or any match official involved in this. They have nothing to do with the incident. And if any individual is involved who is not a part of the BCCI or the team, we can’t comment on that. I just want to make it clear that BCCI employees or the match officials or even the players have nothing to do with this incident.

Anurag Thakur, BCCI Chairman

India are currently competing in a three-match Twenty20 series against the hosts after sweeping the ODIs 3-0.

The visitors had lost the opening T20 in Harare on Saturday and will be playing the second match on Monday at the same venue.

(With agency inputs.)