Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Sports Minister OJ Jeneesh on Monday announced that a departmental investigation will be conducted into the alleged fraud surrounding promises to bring football legend Lionel Messi to the state. The probe will specifically examine whether any officials within the Sports Department were involved or held vested interests in the matter.

Speaking to reporters, Minister Jeneesh clarified that the inquiry would be carried out internally without requiring external agencies.

"An investigation would also examine whether any Sports Department officials had any involvement or vested interest. An investigation would be conducted using the available manpower," Jeneesh said.

The announcement follows key updates provided on Thursday by Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala regarding the Special Investigation Team (SIT) handling the case. Chennithala confirmed that crucial evidence had been gathered during recent raids at the offices of news channel Reporter TV and the residences of its owners. The search was conducted as part of the ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities tied to the proposed visit of Messi and the Argentina national football team.

Defending the law enforcement actions, Chennithala dismissed claims that the raids yielded no results.

“Necessary evidence was obtained during the inspection at Reporter TV’s office. We cannot disclose details of the evidence at this stage. Who said that no evidence was found?" Chennithala told reporters.

Chennithala emphasized that the SIT is conducting a strictly legal investigation that originated from a formal request by the Sports Ministry, which was subsequently forwarded to the Home Department by the Chief Minister. He further assured that the raid on Reporter TV was executed under a valid search warrant issued by the court.

"The SIT is proceeding with the investigation in accordance with the law. The case concerns what is alleged to be the biggest fraud committed during the previous government’s tenure in the name of bringing footballer Lionel Messi to Kerala," he added.

The multi-agency investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to scrutinise the financial dealings and institutional roles connected to the failed high-profile sporting event. (ANI)