The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has taken a firm stance following a recent incident at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor, submitting a formal police complaint to the District Police Chief of Kochi City. The complaint alleges that on Tuesday evening (October 28), a delegation led by District Congress Committee president Muhammed Shiyas forcefully entered the stadium despite direct objections from security guards.
Details from the GCDA secretary’s complaint, based on reports from stadium security personnel, indicate that ‘a group of individuals, including media representatives, gained unauthorized entry into the stadium around 6 p.m.’ The complaint further highlights that this group accessed the main ground where critical turf renovation work was nearing completion, ahead of an international football match. GCDA officials expressed significant concern that this unauthorized entry could potentially compromise the newly laid turf, leading to considerable financial losses. They have urged for immediate action against the alleged trespassers to protect the stadium and its facilities.
However, Mr. Shiyas has vehemently dismissed the complaint, questioning the rationale behind denying access to public representatives while a private company owner reportedly enjoys unrestricted entry. He pointed out a significant discrepancy regarding the renovation costs: a private sponsor of the now-cancelled international friendly match between Argentina and Australia had claimed an investment of ₹70 crore, yet Mr. Shiyas suggested the actual work appeared to be worth ‘no more than ₹70 lakh.’
Additionally, Mr. Shiyas accused the GCDA of proceeding with the stadium renovation without a formal agreement and alleged that the authority was deliberately concealing an IIT Madras report pertaining to the structural stability of the venue.