Kerala forms SIT to probe alleged financial misappropriation in failed Messi visit bid
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged financial misappropriation and tax evasion linked to the previous government's failed attempt to bring football star Lionel Messi to Kerala. The announcement was made while addressing the media in Idukki.
The SIT will be headed by Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) P. Vijayan. It will also include a Superintendent of Police, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, and other officers, Mr. Chennithala said. The team is expected to conduct a detailed investigation and submit a comprehensive report to the government at the earliest.
The Home Minister explained that the decision to constitute the SIT was based on a note received from the Chief Minister. “Based on the note, I sought a legal opinion from the Director General of Prosecution and found several discrepancies in the incident. The government subsequently decided to constitute an SIT to investigate the matter,” he said.
The failed Messi bid had been a subject of political controversy in the state. The previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had planned to bring the Argentine football icon to Kerala, reportedly as part of a promotional event. However, the plan did not materialise, and allegations of financial irregularities surfaced. The current United Democratic Front (UDF) government has been examining the issue since assuming office.
When asked about the alleged custodial torture of Congress worker V.S. Sujith at the Kunnamkulam police station, Mr. Chennithala said the complaint lodged by Mr. Sujith had been forwarded to the Director General of Police. Inspector General of Police Putta Vimaladitya is currently probing the matter, he added. The Home Minister noted that while the previous government took action against three police personnel, the present government would take stricter action once the final investigation report is received.
Referring to a recent protest in Thiruvananthapuram, Mr. Chennithala said activists of the Students Federation of India (SFI) attacked an Assistant Commissioner of Police and other police officers. He asserted that the government would take stern action against anyone assaulting police personnel. He also called on the Leader of the Opposition to clarify why the SFI engaged in such violent protests.
The SIT probe is yet another instance of the state government seeking to bring transparency to public dealings. The terms of reference for the investigation have reportedly been finalised, and the team will now begin its work. The government has said that the inquiry will cover all aspects of the episode, including the source of funds and any lapses in following due process.
Political observers note that the issue is likely to remain a flashpoint between the ruling and opposition fronts in Kerala. The LDF has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, while the UDF maintains that a thorough investigation is necessary to uphold financial accountability. The SIT's findings, once submitted, are expected to provide clarity on the matter.
