Kerala forms SIT to probe financial irregularities in failed Messi visit bid

The Kerala government has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into allegations of financial misappropriation and tax evasion connected to the unsuccessful attempt to bring football icon Lionel Messi to the state.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, speaking to reporters in Idukki, said the team will be headed by Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) P. Vijayan. The SIT will also include a Superintendent of Police, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, and other officers.

Chennithala stated that the team has been tasked with conducting a detailed inquiry into the episode and submitting a comprehensive report to the government at the earliest.

The Minister explained that the decision to form the SIT followed a note from the Chief Minister. He added that after seeking a legal opinion from the Director General of Prosecution, several discrepancies were found in the matter, prompting the government to order the investigation.

In a separate matter, Chennithala responded to questions about the alleged custodial torture of Congress worker V.S. Sujith at the Kunnamkulam police station. He said the complaint has been forwarded to the Director General of Police, and Inspector General of Police Putta Vimaladitya is currently investigating. He noted that while the previous government acted against three personnel, the current administration would take stricter action once the final report is received.

The Home Minister also said stern action would be taken against anyone assaulting police personnel. Referring to a recent protest in Thiruvananthapuram, he said Students Federation of India (SFI) activists attacked an Assistant Commissioner of Police and other officers, and questioned why the Leader of the Opposition had not clarified the party's position on such violence.