Archive · 17 Sep 2026
SIT Says Evidence Found in Messi Visit Financial Probe
A police team is investigating money-related allegations connected to a planned visit by Lionel Messi and Argentina’s football team to Kerala.
The team searched the office of Reporter TV and the homes of its owners.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the searches found important evidence.
He said officials cannot reveal the details yet.
The investigation began after the Sports Ministry requested it.
Chennithala said the searches were approved by a legal warrant.
He also said the investigation is not meant to silence journalists or attack the news organization.
He said the police must follow the law and that any wrongdoing by officers will be examined.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the SIT found necessary evidence during raids linked to the proposed Messi visit.
The raids covered Reporter TV’s office and the residences of its owners, and were conducted under a search warrant.
The investigation concerns alleged financial irregularities and fraud connected to plans to bring Lionel Messi and Argentina’s team to Kerala.
Chennithala said the probe began after the Sports Ministry asked the Chief Minister to investigate the matter.
He denied political or ministerial interference and said the proceedings were videographed and observed by witnesses.
- Who
- The Kerala Police’s Special Investigation Team, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, Reporter TV, and the owners of the channel are involved.
- What
- The SIT is investigating alleged financial irregularities and fraud connected to a proposed visit by Lionel Messi and the Argentine football team.
- When
- Chennithala made the statements on Thursday; the articles do not provide an exact date.
- Where
- The searches took place at Reporter TV’s office and the residences of its owners in Kerala.
- Why
- The probe followed a request from the Sports Ministry concerning alleged fraud linked to plans to bring Messi and the Argentine team to Kerala.
Government and SIT Position
Press-Freedom Concern
Purpose of the raids
Government and SIT Position
Chennithala said the searches were part of a legally mandated investigation into alleged fraud and were not aimed at a media organization.
Press-Freedom Concern
The raids prompted concerns that police action against a news channel could be viewed as pressure on the press, a characterization Chennithala rejected.
Political interference
Government and SIT Position
Chennithala said neither he nor the Chief Minister interfered and that the SIT independently decides how to proceed.
Press-Freedom Concern
Concerns about government involvement are implied by the minister’s repeated assurances that ministers did not interfere, although the article does not identify a specific opposing party’s allegation.
- Investigating body
- Special Investigation Team of the Kerala Police
- Investigation subject
- Alleged financial irregularities and fraud
- Related event
- Proposed visit of Lionel Messi and the Argentine football team to Kerala
- Search locations
- Reporter TV’s office and its owners’ residences
- Legal authorization
- A valid search warrant, according to Chennithala
- Evidence
- Chennithala said necessary evidence was obtained, but details were not disclosed
- Oversight
- The raid proceedings were reportedly videographed and witnessed by observers