Messi scam case: governor clears probe against ex Keralam minister

Kozhikode: Kerala Governor Om Prakash Mathur has granted permission to investigate former Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman in an alleged corruption case involving a deal to bring Argentina's national football team and superstar Lionel Messi to the state. The decision comes after weeks of delay in the Governor's office, amid mounting criticism over the hold-up in further action.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by ADGP P. Vijayan, recommended action against Abdurahiman, accusing him of misusing his ministerial position to benefit Reporter Broadcasting Company (RBC), which had come forward as the sponsor of Argentina's proposed visit to Kerala.

According to the investigation report, government machinery and official documents were allegedly used to serve the private company's interests, while serious irregularities in the deal caused losses worth crores of rupees to the state exchequer.

The SIT submitted its preliminary report to the government on November 5. Further action was delayed on the grounds that the Governor's approval was required to register a case against Abdurahiman over alleged misconduct during his tenure as a minister. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan subsequently intervened as criticism over the delay intensified.

Besides Abdurahiman, the SIT has recommended registering cases against his former private secretary, C. Sathyapalan; former Kerala Sports Council president, U. Sharafali; RBC; and its owner, Anto Augustine.

The investigation has flagged alleged misuse of official records and financial irregularities surrounding arrangements for the Argentina team's proposed visit, with the state government facing potential losses running into crores.