Messi visit fraud: SIT questions former Kerala sports minister Abdurahiman

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged financial irregularities in the proposed visit of Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team to Kerala questioned former sports minister V Abdurahiman on Thursday (1 October 2026), Onmanorama reports. ADGP P Vijayan, who heads the SIT, said the questioning was part of a fact-finding exercise and that there were no immediate plans to register a case against Abdurahiman. The former minister has not been arraigned as an accused. The SIT will examine his statement along with documents and digital evidence before deciding further action.

Mathrubhumi, however, reports that Abdurahiman denied being questioned, describing the reports as media-created. He said he did not wish to respond to the media. The probe concerns alleged fraud surrounding the proposed Argentina team visit, which was announced under the previous LDF government but never took place. The SIT is examining the role of Reporter Broadcasting Company, headed by Anto Augustine, which was associated with the event as a sponsor, and whether government machinery was used to extend undue benefits. The SIT has searched Augustine's residence and RBC offices. The Enforcement Directorate is separately examining possible violations under FEMA.