Thiruvananthapuram, September 16 (Daily Kiran) : The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently investigating the proposed visit of football superstar Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team to Kerala in 2025. This inquiry was initiated following allegations of financial irregularities associated with the tour.
As part of this investigation, the SIT has been inspecting various locations linked to the proposed event. On Wednesday morning, the team conducted a raid at a local news channel. The channel reported that the SIT’s actions disrupted its operations. Officials reportedly spent over half an hour at the headquarters but did not disclose the reason for the search or provide any information. Additionally, police confiscated personal mobile phones from journalists and staff present at the scene.
Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the police action against the channel, labeling it an attack on media freedom.
On August 13, Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan ordered a comprehensive investigation into the controversial efforts to bring Messi and the Argentina football team to the state. This led to the formation of the SIT.
The SIT’s investigation will not only focus on the financial transactions related to the proposed event but also scrutinize the decisions and government approvals that facilitated the project. The inquiry will examine the circumstances surrounding the allocation of Kochi Stadium, relevant government orders, agreements made concerning the event, and foreign trips undertaken in the name of bringing Messi and the Argentina team to Kerala. This investigation is particularly significant as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is already looking into a transfer of ₹126 crore under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) related to this project.
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