Two Ghanaian footballers face trial in India over rape allegations

Two Ghanaian footballers arrested in India on rape charges have remained in custody for nearly three years and are scheduled to appear in court on March 19, 2026, as their families intensify calls for government support.

Christopher Nars, 28, and Moses Zutah, 24, were arrested on May 18, 2023, following a complaint filed by a woman in her late twenties in New Town, a suburb of Kolkata in India’s West Bengal state.

According to police, the two men had travelled to India on student visas and were playing part-time football for different clubs in exchange for payment.

Police in New Town said the complainant, who was separated from her husband and living alone in a rented flat in Gouranganagar, alleged that the two men forced her to spend the night with them at a guest house in Picnic Garden, where they were staying.

An officer with Bidhannagar City Police stated that the woman reported being sexually assaulted multiple times during the night and was allowed to leave the following morning.

Authorities said the woman, who reported sustaining bruises, remained at her residence for two days before filing a formal complaint at the New Town police station. The two footballers were subsequently arrested and have been on remand since.

However, a close associate of the accused has disputed the allegations. Speaking to Angel Sports, the associate claimed the encounter was consensual and alleged that the woman was a commercial sex worker.

According to this account, one of the players had paid her for sexual services, after which the second player also engaged her.

The associate further claimed that a dispute arose over payment, alleging that one of the men had made promises he was unable to fully meet, although part payment was reportedly made.

The case has drawn attention in Ghana, with the families of the two men appealing to the Government of Ghana, the Ghana Football Association, and other stakeholders for assistance to secure legal support and facilitate their release.

The matter is expected to return to court on March 19, 2026, nearly three years after the arrests, as both sides prepare to present their case.

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