Kochi: A police team searched the Kochi headquarters of Malayalam news channel Reporter TV early Wednesday as part of an investigation into alleged fraud linked to a proposed Lionel Messi visit to Kerala.

The search was conducted at the channel's news desk, where journalists and technical staff normally work. Reporter TV alleged that the police action disrupted its news operations and that officers took mobile phones belonging to journalists and other employees who were on duty.

The channel also alleged that the police remained at the office for more than half an hour without initially explaining the reason for the search.

Police, however, said the search was being conducted under a court warrant and that those at the office were not cooperating with the team.

Thrikkakara Assistant Commissioner of Police said the search was connected to a case registered at the Kalamassery police station following a preliminary investigation. The case concerns allegations of fraud linked to arrangements surrounding Messi's proposed visit to Kerala.

Police say search was authorised by court

According to the police, officers arrived at the Reporter TV office with a court warrant but those present were initially unwilling to accept it.

Police said a woman who was described as responsible for the office told them she would arrive within five minutes, but did not turn up. Attempts to contact her by phone were also unsuccessful, they said.

The police further said they repeatedly asked for the administrative office to be opened but were not given access. The office was digitally locked, according to the police.

Officers had not broken open the lock at the time of the statement, police said.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by ADGP P Vijayan, was carrying out searches at five locations from around 4 am, according to reports. The locations include the Reporter TV office, the Kochi residences of the Augustine brothers who own Reporter Broadcasting Company, and their family home in Wayanad.

The searches are aimed at examining and seizing files connected with the Messi event, according to the police.

SIT examining financial records and correspondence

Investigators are examining documents, financial transactions and correspondence as part of the probe, police said.

The searches followed the registration of the first FIR by the SIT in connection with the alleged fraud. The Kalamassery police registered the case under charges including cheating, fraud and conspiracy.

Reporter Broadcasting Company and Anto Augustine have been named as accused in the case, according to the police.

The investigation relates to the controversy surrounding the proposed Messi-Argentina football event in Kerala during the previous Left Democratic Front government.

Reporter TV, which was among the sponsors associated with the event, alleged that the police search was intended to interfere with its broadcasting operations.

Pinarayi Vijayan alleges attack on media freedom

Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the police action and alleged that entering the news desk and taking journalists' phones amounted to an attack on media freedom.

In a statement, Vijayan alleged that police personnel "burst into" the news desk in the early hours and created a tense atmosphere for around one-and-a-half hours. He also alleged that journalists were filmed during the operation.

Vijayan compared the action with incidents involving media organisations in other states and Delhi and sought responses from Chief Minister V D Satheesan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.