Indian Cricket Team,reports on rape charges rattle Indian camp in Zimbabwe.

Indian Cricket Team,reports on rape charges rattle Indian camp in Zimbabwe.

TWO INDIAN nationals, one of them linked to the in-stadia rights-holder of the ongoing India-Zimbabwe ODI series, have been arrested on alleged rape charges in Harare, said local police.

An Indian was reportedly arrested from the team hotel of the Indian cricket team in Harare on charges of rape. Hours after initial reports, which claimed the arrested person was an Indian cricketer, sources told news agency ANI that the report is false and no cricketer is involved.

“Report is false, no Indian cricketer involved. An Indian affiliated with one of the sponsors has been arrested, he denied the charge and said he is ready for a DNA test to prove his innocence,” a source told ANI, adding that the Indian ambassador in Zimbabwe is following the matter closely.

“We have investigated and forwarded the case to the courts for determination and we wait the outcome. He appeared in court today,” the report quoted the official as saying. We could not independently verify the report.

The identity of the Indian national could not be ascertained. The report further claimed that searches were underway at The Meikles Hotel.

Either an India cricketer or a member of the touring party to Zimbabwe has been reportedly arrested in Harare for allegedly raping a local woman on Friday, said media reports. However, India Today has not been able to verify the news independently.

News agency ANI reported that the Indian High Commissioner has been in touch with the Indian team and was following the matter closely. The agency also quoted sources to say that the reports of an arrest of the so far unnamed Indian cricketer are false.

Charity Charamba, Assistant Police Commissioner has confirmed that one of the Indian nationals is involved in the crime.

"The victim has pointed an Indian national from the batch that came in last week, at this point I'm not in the position to reveal whether it's a player or official as I'm bound by law. But, what I can confirm is that the accused appeared in court on Saturday," Charamba said.

"We have concluded our investigation, but both the police and courts have to handle the issue with care as it can lead to a potential diplomatic feud," Charamba added.

India are currently in Harare, where they are engaged in a T20 series. Having won the three-match ODI series 3-0 against the hosts, MS Dhoni's men suffered a two-run defeat to Zimbabwe in the first of three T20Is after fielding five debutants.