Kerala Governor sanctions prosecution of former minister in Messi event case
Governor Om Prakash Mathur approved the prosecution of V Abdurahiman regarding alleged corruption in a failed football sponsorship deal.
Kerala Governor Om Prakash Mathur on Thursday granted sanction to prosecute former Sports Minister V Abdurahiman under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The decision relates to alleged irregularities concerning a proposed visit to the state by the Argentina national football team led by Lionel Messi, according to reports by Rediff, South First and The Hindu.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Additional Director General of Police P Vijayan, recommended naming Abdurahiman and four others as accused. The SIT findings suggest the former minister misused his position to provide improper financial advantages to the event sponsor, Reporter Broadcasting Company (RBC).
The investigation identified several issues, including improper tendering processes, the misuse of official documents, and large-scale financial discrepancies involving crores of rupees. The SIT also noted suspected violations of GST norms and irregularities regarding the use of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi.
The SIT recommended cases against Abdurahiman, his former private secretary C Sathyapalan, former Kerala State Sports Council president U Sharafali, RBC, and its owner Anto Augustine. The sanction follows a request submitted by Chief Minister VD Satheesan on October 16.
The Law Department advised that the Governor's approval was necessary because the allegations involve decisions made by Abdurahiman during his tenure as a minister. Abdurahiman, who has been questioned by the SIT, denied any wrongdoing and stated his involvement was intended to facilitate the Argentina team's visit.