Kerala government seeks Governor’s sanction to probe former Minister V. Abdurahiman in Messi case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has sought the Governor’s sanction to initiate an investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act against former Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman over alleged irregularities linked to the proposed visit of Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team to the state.

The move follows a recommendation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating alleged financial irregularities surrounding the sponsorship deal. The team has recommended corruption proceedings against Abdurahiman and four others, including his former private secretary C. Sathypalan, former Kerala Sports Council president U. Sharafali, Reporter Broadcasting Company and its managing director, Anto Augustine.

The legal advice received by the government differed on whether the Governor’s prior sanction was necessary. While one view held that the investigation could proceed without such sanction, the Law Department advised that prior approval was required under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act because the alleged irregularities occurred while Abdurahiman was in office. The government accepted the latter view and forwarded the file to the Governor. The Governor’s sanction is pending, according to reports published on October 16.

A separate case has already been registered in Kalamassery in connection with the alleged financial irregularities. The SIT has recommended examining whether Abdurahiman misused his official position to benefit the sponsor and whether the sponsorship arrangements caused financial losses to the government. These allegations remain subject to investigation.

The proposed proceedings against the former minister would be a further step in the investigation into the failed plan to bring the Argentina team to Kerala. The team’s visit did not materialise, and agencies are examining the sponsorship deal and related financial transactions.