Abdurahiman faces more trouble; DGP seeks permission to investigate former minister in Messi sponsorship fraud case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar has submitted a report to the government seeking permission to investigate former Sports Minister V Abdurahiman and officials of the then government in connection with the financial fraud case related to bringing football star Lionel Messi to Kerala.

The investigation led by ADGP P Vijayan is learnt to have made serious findings against the former minister and the officials. After examining the report, the State Police Chief forwarded the crucial file to the government. The police have sought permission to conduct a further investigation against V Abdurahiman and the officials under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The investigation team has found that Abdurahiman made irregular and unauthorised interventions in the sponsorship agreement, the selection of the sponsor and dealings with the Argentine Football Association in connection with the football sponsorship.

More staff members had recently given statements against Abdurahiman. G R Ramesh, who was his private secretary, told the SIT that the former minister did not make corrections despite being warned about violation of rules. Ramesh also alleged during questioning by the SIT that Abdurahiman took decisions regarding the department's affairs according to his own wishes.

Abdurahiman ignored a warning that a sponsor should not be selected without inviting tenders. Ramesh also said the former minister did not heed a warning regarding the services of an aided college teacher. He further stated that the teacher was allowed to handle emails in the department because she was a friend of the minister.