Thiruvananthapuram, 16 Oct (H.S.):

The Keralam government has sought the Governor’s prior approval for a Vigilance investigation against former Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman over alleged financial irregularities involving crores of rupees in a proposed visit by Argentine football legend Lionel Messi.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has forwarded the file seeking permission to Lok Bhavan. The proposed investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act concerns financial transactions linked to promises of bringing Messi to Kerala.

Former footballer and former Kerala State Sports Council president U. Sharaf Ali and Abdurahiman’s former private secretary C. Sathyapalan will also face investigation. The Chief Minister has signed the file authorising proceedings against the two.

The move follows a preliminary inquiry by the Sports Secretary into financial dealings surrounding the proposed visit. The inquiry reportedly made serious findings concerning Abdurahiman’s role while he headed the Sports Department.

A Special Investigation Team constituted to examine the alleged fraud subsequently questioned the former minister about several aspects of the arrangement.

Investigators sought explanations regarding his visit to Spain in connection with the proposal, the process followed to select a sponsor and alleged pressure and interference from the minister’s office.

The selection of the sponsor has emerged as a key focus of the investigation. Both Vigilance and the SIT are examining whether Abdurahiman extended any improper assistance or intervened to favour those associated with the project.

The proposed Vigilance inquiry will examine the former minister’s role in the financial transactions and administrative decisions connected with the initiative.

The allegations relate to the arrangements made in Messi’s name and the handling of the sponsorship process. The request sent to the Governor seeks clearance to investigate Abdurahiman’s conduct under the anti-corruption law.

The government’s latest move advances the process of securing approval for the investigation; the allegations against the former minister remain subject to inquiry.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman