Argentina-Messi Kerala visit scam under probe; CM recommends SIT to investigate alleged irregularities

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A special investigation team (SIT) will be appointed to probe alleged fraud in the name of bringing the Argentina national football team and Lionel Messi to Kerala.

Chief Minister VD Satheesan has forwarded the file to the Home Department with a recommendation to constitute an SIT for a comprehensive investigation. The move follows a report submitted to the Chief Minister by the GST Department after investigating alleged tax evasion.

The investigation will cover all procedures undertaken from the beginning. A senior officer will be entrusted with the probe. The criteria followed in selecting the private sponsor, alleged irregularities in their favour, the sources of funds and government orders, including the decision to hand over the stadium, will all come under the scope of the investigation.