Messi-to-Kerala fraud: Sports Minister vows probe into officials' role
Synopsis
Keralam Sports Minister OJ Jeneesh has ordered a probe into the alleged fraud over bringing Lionel Messi to the state. The investigation will also look into the involvement of Sports Department officials, as an SIT has already gathered evidence in raids.
Keralam Sports Minister OJ Jeneesh on Monday said the alleged fraud involving promises to bring Lionel Messi to the State will be investigated, including whether any Sports Department officials were involved or had vested interests. The probe will use available departmental manpower.
"An investigation would also examine whether any Sports Department officials had any involvement or vested interest. An investigation would be conducted using the available manpower," Jeneesh told the reporters.
SIT Gathers Evidence in Reporter TV Raid
Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Thursday said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had gathered necessary evidence during raids at the offices of a news channel and its owners' residences as part of its probe into alleged financial irregularities linked to the proposed visit of Messi and the Argentine football team to the state.
“Necessary evidence was obtained during the inspection at Reporter TV’s office. We cannot disclose details of the evidence at this stage. Who said that no evidence was found?" Chennithala told the reporters.
Chennithala said the SIT is conducting a legally mandated probe into alleged fraud linked to the proposed visit of Messi to Keralam. He said the investigation followed a request from the Sports Ministry, which was forwarded to the Home Department by the Chief Minister, and that the raid on Reporter TV was carried out under a valid search warrant.
"The SIT is proceeding with the investigation in accordance with the law. The case concerns what is alleged to be the biggest fraud committed during the previous government’s tenure in the name of bringing footballer Lionel Messi to Kerala," he said.