Kerala CM Flags "Serious" GST Fraud in Failed Messi Visit Bid!
Kerala CM Flags "Serious" GST Fraud in Failed Messi Visit Bid!
Kerala's Chief Minister uncovers alleged GST fraud and procedural lapses in the cancelled Messi event. A major scandal brewing over the LDF government's handling of the private sponsor! #KeralaScam #MessiRow
Kerala's political arena is heating up as Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has brought to light serious allegations of Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud and significant procedural irregularities concerning the cancelled visit of the Lionel Messi-led Argentina national football team. The proposed friendly match in the state, initiated under the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, is now under intense scrutiny.
The Chief Minister revealed on Thursday that a preliminary inquiry report, submitted by the sports department, is currently undergoing a thorough examination.
He emphasized that the findings warrant further comprehensive investigations.
Speaking at a press briefing in Thiruvananthapuram, CM Satheesan questioned the entire process, asking, "What was the procedure adopted in selecting a private firm to sponsor the event?
Was there an Expression of Interest? A firm was picked, but parameters including its source of funding and financial capability were not considered." Satheesan also challenged whether the previous government was aware of these issues, noting the "contradictory statements coming out" regarding the matter.
He announced that the finance department, which he personally oversees, would take decisive action to recover the state's losses in GST collection. "Prima facie, GST fraud has taken place.
There are some serious allegations,
he stated, adding that a notice was previously served to the private sponsor, but the inquiry seemed to have been
frozen." Addressing the possibility of involving central agencies in probing aspects like money laundering, the Chief Minister clarified, "Let the state government examine it first. If there is a need for central agency probes, we will refer it to them." He stressed the importance of protecting the state's interests and determining if the private firm exploited the situation.
Satheesan also dismissed accusations from a top official of the private firm that the state government was targeting them, simply stating, "The inquiry report has just been submitted to" him.
