Messi scam case: SIT questions Keralam ex-sports minister Abdurahiman

Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged fraud surrounding a proposal to bring football star Lionel Messi to Keralam has questioned former sports minister V Abdurahiman, taking a detailed statement on his foreign travel and decisions allegedly taken without the department's knowledge.

The questioning took place on Wednesday as the investigation widened following statements from several former staff members against the minister. GR Ramesh, who served as Abdurahiman’s additional private secretary, reportedly told the SIT that the minister ignored warnings about procedural violations in selecting a sponsor for the proposed Messi event.

According to Ramesh’s statement, officials had cautioned against appointing a sponsor without following tender procedures, but the minister allegedly proceeded despite the objections. He also reportedly alleged that decisions concerning the department were taken according to the minister’s personal preferences.

Ramesh further told investigators that the minister was warned against using the services of an aided-college teacher for official work. Despite this, she was allegedly allowed to handle official emails because of her friendship with the minister.

The selection of sponsors has emerged as a key aspect of the investigation. Media reports citing the statements claimed that the decision to appoint Reporter as the sponsor was made solely by Abdurahiman and that official warnings against bypassing tender procedures were disregarded. The reports also alleged that the minister overlooked the criminal background of sponsor Anto.

However, former private secretary Sathyapal, who had reportedly earlier given a statement against the minister, has denied the allegations attributed to him.

The SIT is examining the circumstances surrounding the proposed Messi visit, the sponsor selection, and the decisions made during the process.