Governor Om Prakash Mathur approved the prosecution of V Abdurahiman regarding alleged financial irregularities in a proposed football visit.
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 financial irregularities involving the proposed visit of the Lionel Messi-led Argentina football team to Kochi, according to India Today.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) had recommended the prosecution following an investigation into sponsorship arrangements for the event. The probe allegedly found that Abdurahiman, a CPI(M) leader, used his official position to provide unfair financial and sponsorship advantages to a private event sponsor.
The SIT, led by ADGP P Vijayan, has recommended naming four others as accused. These include former private secretary C Sathyapalan, former Kerala State Sports Council president U Sharaf Ali, Reporter Broadcasting Company (RBC), and its owner Anto Augustine, according to South First.
The investigation identified several issues, including violations in the tendering process and the misuse of official documents. Investigators also noted alleged financial irregularities involving crores of rupees and suspected GST violations regarding the sponsorship deal.
The proposed match, which was planned for last year by the previous LDF government, failed to take place. The SIT also found irregularities in the facilities provided to the sponsoring firm, such as the use of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi.
Chief Minister VD Satheesan had forwarded the file to the Governor last month. With the sanction now in place, the SIT can proceed with formal criminal proceedings.
