Messi visit row: Keralam police chief vets SIT report on alleged irregularities; ex-Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman under scanner

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Former Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman | Photo Credit: The Hindu

State Police Chief (SPC) Ravada A. Chandrasekhar has commenced scrutiny of the report submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), tasked with probing the alleged irregularities surrounding the proposed visit of football great Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team to Keralam.

The report will subsequently be submitted along with the SPC’s recommendations to the Home Department. 

The SIT has reportedly found serious violations of procedures and recommended action against former Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The report also contains findings against members of the former Minister’s office and others involved in facilitating the proposed football event.

The investigation centres on allegations that Reporter Broadcasting Company (RBC) was granted sponsorship rights for the Argentina team’s proposed visit without following the requisite tender procedures. The SIT has found that the former Minister and others associated with his office intervened in the process in ways that allegedly provided an undue financial advantage to the sponsor. 

Mr. Abdurahiman, who had been questioned by the SIT a few days ago, has denied any wrongdoing and has maintained that his involvement was aimed at facilitating the proposed visit of the Argentina team to Keralam.

The investigation has also widened to include U. Sharafali, former president of the Kerala State Sports Council under the scope of its ambit. The Kerala Police is reportedly considering naming the former India footballer as an accused in the probable case.

Sources claimed that Mr. Sharafali signed as a witness to an agreement between RBC and the Argentine Football Association while serving as council president.

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