Two groups representing business and silver traders in the state exchanged fees for collecting money for visiting international footballer Lionel Messi in the state.
One of the groups led by K. Surendran, President and S. Abdul Nassar, the Secretary -General, claimed that the second group led by Justine Palathara gathered money to make an expenses to visit the footballer. However, Mr. Palathara stated that no money from any gold and silver merchant was collected for this purpose, and called on those who invoke the accusations to file a complaint to the police.
Mr. Palathara said he was the president of all Keral Gold and Silver Association for 12 years. In 2013, the Association was divided into differences between members with Mr. Surendran and Mr. Nassar towards one group. Groups share the same name and, according to the court directive, his group could use the official name, he claimed.
Mr. Nassar claimed that the rival group said the public and promised to bring Messi to the state. He collected every 10,000 ₹ from gold and silver traders. Given that the visit to the footballers did not get worse, the matter should ask, Nassar said. He said the money was collected for Messi to promote a shopping festival using an application running for this purpose. A group of merchants led by Mr. Nassar called on the main minister to investigate this matter and claimed that the Minister of Sport was involved.
Published – May 17, 2025 20:07
