SIT formed to probe alleged irregularities in Kerala’s bid to host Argentina football match: Chennithala

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said an SIT will proe alleged irregularities in the previous government's bid to host an Argentina football match featuring Lionel Messi. The probe follows a Sports Department report and a legal opinion sought by the Home Department.

Idukki (Kerala):  Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Wednesday said an SIT had been formed to probe alleged irregularities in the previous government’s move to host a football match involving the Argentina national team led by star Lionel Messi.

After the UDF government came to power, the Sports Department had first flagged the alleged irregularities in the move, which ultimately failed to materialise.

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The department forwarded a report to Chief Minister V D Satheesan, who subsequently recommended a detailed probe by the Home Department.

Speaking to reporters, Chennithala said he had received a letter from the Chief Minister requesting an investigation into the matter.

“I forwarded that letter for a legal opinion. The Director General of Prosecution provided his legal opinion on it. Based on that legal opinion, I realised that there are several legal issues involved. On that basis, it has been decided to constitute a special investigation team (SIT) headed by ADGP P Vijayan to probe the matter,” he said.

The order regarding the SIT would be issued soon, he said, adding that the team would comprise the ADGP, an SP and a DySP.

“They have been directed to investigate the matter and submit a report to the government,” Chennithala said.

He said the note given to him by the CM, along with the legal opinion, would be handed over to the SIT.

“We need a detailed investigation into this matter. The investigation team will initiate further action and proceed as quickly as possible. They have been asked to submit the report at the earliest,” he said.

Chennithala also reacted to queries on Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan’s allegation that police were using excessive force against SFI activists protesting in Thiruvananthapuram and registering false cases.

“Well, let the Leader of the Opposition tell us why this protest is being held in the first place. Grabbing an ACP by the neck, assaulting police officers, seizing their shields to hit them back. The police have exercised immense restraint,” he said.

He urged protesters not to attack police officers and said the police would not tolerate such incidents.

Regarding the allegation by Youth Congress leader Sujith that no further action had been taken against officials involved in the custodial assault against him at Kunnamkulam police station in Thrissur during the tenure of the LDF government, Chennithala said disciplinary action had already been taken against the officers involved.

“Regarding the incident in Kunnamkulam, a Sub Inspector and three police officers were suspended a year ago during the previous government’s tenure. After the new government came to power, the victim, Sujith, submitted a complaint to me about two months ago,” he said.

Chennithala said he immediately forwarded the complaint to the DGP, who transferred it to Northern Range IG Putta Vimaladitya for inquiry.

“The action taken earlier was a one-year suspension and withholding of two increments with cumulative effect. Sujith’s complaint was that this action was insufficient. I forwarded that complaint to the DGP, who then passed it to the Northern Range IG. The IG is investigating it,” he said.

He said he had sought a report on what further legal action could be taken and that a decision would be made after receiving it.

“As far as Sujith’s case is concerned, we stand with him. However, as home minister, I cannot act outside the framework of the law. Things can only be done legally,” Chennithala said.