7 hrs ago
SIT Questions Former Kerala Minister Over Messi Visit Fraud
Police are investigating a planned visit by football star Lionel Messi to Kerala that did not happen.
They suspect there may have been financial fraud and problems with government procedures.
Former Sports Minister V Abdurahiman was questioned for several hours.
Investigators asked about his trips, emails and official approvals.
Abdurahiman said he was only trying to speed up a government-backed sports event.
He denied doing anything wrong and has not been named an accused.
A company called Reporter Broadcasting Company was involved as a private sponsor.
The company allegedly said it transferred Rs 126 crore, but investigators have not found banking records proving the payment.
Tax officials also said Rs 22.68 crore in IGST remained unpaid.
Police will compare the minister’s answers with documents and digital evidence.
The Kerala Police SIT questioned former Sports Minister V Abdurahiman in Malappuram over the aborted Lionel Messi visit.
Investigators examined his foreign trips, private emails and departmental clearances linked to negotiations with the Argentina Football Association.
Abdurahiman, not formally named as an accused, said he only fast-tracked a government-sponsored sporting event and denied wrongdoing.
The probe is examining Reporter Broadcasting Company’s selection as sponsor and alleged bypassing of administrative procedures.
Authorities found no banking or documentary proof for an alleged Rs 126 crore transfer, while GST officials flagged Rs 22.68 crore in unpaid IGST.
- Who
- The Kerala Police Special Investigation Team questioned former Sports Minister V Abdurahiman; Reporter Broadcasting Company and its Managing Editor Anto Augustine are central to the wider case.
- What
- The SIT is investigating alleged financial fraud and procedural lapses connected to the aborted visit of Lionel Messi to Kerala.
- Where
- The questioning took place in Malappuram, Kerala.
- When
- The questioning took place on Thursday; the articles do not provide a calendar date.
- Why
- Investigators are examining alleged bypassing of administrative protocols, the sponsor-selection process and claims involving a Rs 126 crore cross-border transfer.
Investigation Findings
Former Minister’s Position
Administrative conduct
Investigation Findings
The SIT is examining whether key administrative protocols and departmental procedures were bypassed, including the sponsor-selection process.
Former Minister’s Position
V Abdurahiman said his role was limited to fast-tracking a major government-sponsored sporting event and denied wrongdoing.
Financial transfer
Investigation Findings
Investigators found no banking records or documentary proof for the alleged Rs 126 crore transfer, while GST officials flagged unpaid IGST of Rs 22.68 crore.
Former Minister’s Position
The article does not report a specific response from Abdurahiman regarding the alleged transfer or the unpaid tax.
Official communications
Investigation Findings
Former staff members testified that secure ministerial channels were allegedly handled by an external aided-college teacher despite internal warnings.
Former Minister’s Position
The article does not report a separate public explanation from Abdurahiman on the handling of those channels.
Key facts
- Investigating agency
- Special Investigation Team of the Kerala Police
- Questioned official
- Former Sports Minister V Abdurahiman
- Main accused named
- Anto Augustine, Managing Editor of Reporter TV
- Alleged transfer
- Reporter Broadcasting Company allegedly claimed to have transferred Rs 126 crore to a foreign agency and the Argentina Football Association.
- Unpaid tax flagged
- The State GST Intelligence Wing identified Rs 22.68 crore in unpaid IGST.
- Evidence issue
- Preliminary Sports Department findings found no banking records or documentary proof establishing that the Rs 126 crore was transferred.
- Investigation status
- The SIT submitted an interim investigation report to the Director General of Police and is continuing its probe.
Sources
Related news
Report Alleges Financial Fraud in Aborted Messi Visit
Kerala Probe Widens Over Failed Messi Event in Kochi
Kerala Minister Vows Probe Into Proposed Argentina Match
Kerala Police Raid Reporter TV Over Alleged Messi Event Fraud
Kerala Forms SIT to Probe Argentina Match Bid Irregularities
SIT Says Evidence Found in Messi Visit Financial Probe
QR Payment Allegedly Helps Track Couple in Kerala Assault Case
Kerala Launches Second Phase of Statewide Anti-Drug Operation
Kerala Chief Minister Sidesteps Questions Amid Chopper Flight Controversy
Govindan Alleges UDF Government Is Turning Keralam Into Corruption Hub