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Serious allegations in report on Messi event; govt examining it: Kerala CM
Serious allegations in report on Messi event; govt examining it: Kerala CM
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Thursday claimed that there were serious allegations in the report of the Sports Department regarding the efforts made during the previous LDF government's tenure to bring football legend Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to the state and said that "everything will be examined".
Addressing a press conference after chairing a cabinet meeting, the CM said that the report was being seriously examined by the government.
"There are very serious allegations in it. The government is considering it. After examining it, required actions will be taken," he said.
The CM also questioned how a private organisation was allowed to enter into an agreement with the Argentina Football Association .
"What was the procedure for it? Was an expression of interest issued to grant permission? Nothing like that was done. It was simply given to a company without considering its market value, financial capacity, or source of funds. None of those was considered," he contended.
He said it was also doubtful if the state government was aware of all the aspects of the proposal as contradictory statements are coming from various quarters.
Satheesan said that the government was looking into it, but even before that, when he received a complaint regarding the matter, there were allegations that the CM was trying to shut down an establishment.
"We are only studying the matter," he said.
In response to a query as to whether there were any GST-related irregularities in connection with payment of the sponsorship amount, the CM answered in the affirmative.
"As per initial reports, there are serious irregularities in connection with that matter. There has been GST evasion and it was discovered during the time of the previous government, which also issued a notice regarding it.
"But, after that nothing. The investigation became paralysed. All that will be examined and steps will be taken to recoup the loss caused to the government and the alleged negligence on the part of officials will be investigated by the Finance Department," he said.
"Everything will be examined and an appropriate decision will be taken," he added.
Earlier in the day, state Minister for Tourism and Culture P C Vishnunadh said the people were "betrayed and misled" with promises of bringing Messi and Argentina team to the state and it is going to be investigated.
The minister said the inquiry will be based on a report given by the Sports Department regarding the matter.
"There is a feeling that people of Kerala were betrayed. They misled people by claiming that Messi will come. So, there is going to be an investigation based on the report of the Sports Department.
"The investigation will be in accordance with law. There will be nothing unlawful about the probe," Vishnunadh told reporters.
State Sports Minister O J Janeesh on Wednesday had indicated there will be a probe into the matter.
He had also rejected the former minister V Abdurahiman's claims regarding the matter and alleged that government machinery was misused to facilitate financial gains for a private individual.
Abdurahiman, however, has rejected the allegations and maintained that the LDF government had followed all prescribed procedures while attempting to bring the Argentina team to Kerala for a friendly match.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
