Gold merchants’ unions trade charges over ‘fund collection’ for Messi’s visit

Two groups representing gold and silver merchants in the State have traded charges over collection of money for a visit by international footballer Lionel Messi to the State.

One of the groups, led by K. Surendran, president, and S. Abdul Nassar, general secretary, alleged that the other group led by Justine Palathara collected money to meet the expenses of the footballer’s visit. But Mr. Palathara said no money had been collected from any gold and silver merchant for the purpose and challenged those raising allegations to file a complaint with the police.

Mr. Palathara said he had been president of All Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants’ Association for 12 years. The association split in 2013 over differences of opinion among members with Mr. Surendran and Mr. Nassar heading one group. The groups share the same name and as per a court directive his group would be able to use the official name, he claimed.

Mr. Nassar alleged that the rival group misled the public, and promised to bring Messi to the State. It had collected ₹10,000 each from the gold and silver merchants. Since the footballer’s visit has not materialised the matter should be inquired into, Mr. Nassar said. He said the money was collected for Messi to promote a shopping festival using an app launched for the purpose. The merchants’ group led by Mr. Nassar, in a petition to the Chief Minister, called for investigation into the issue and alleged that the Sports Minister too was involved in it.