Santiago Martin (Image Source: Financial Express)
In a revelation that sent shockwaves through India’s political landscape, the Election Commission divulged detailed information on Thursday, March 14, regarding companies that purchased electoral bonds to fund political parties. Topping the list of significant buyers was Future Gaming and Hotel Services, under the ownership of the scandal-ridden Santiago Martin.
Records indicate that between April 12, 2019, and January 24, 2024, this entity made staggering political contributions amounting to Rs 1,368 crore.
Known colloquially as the ‘lottery king,’ Santiago Martin boasts close affiliations with various political factions, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Kerala, Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (DMK) in Tamil Nadu, Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, and the Congress party.
In a particularly contentious incident dating back to 2007, Santiago Martin donated Rs 2 crores to the Communist party mouthpiece, Deshabhimani, facilitated through four electoral bonds of Rs 50 lakhs each. The revelation stirred widespread criticism, prompting the Communist Party of India (Marxist) to ultimately return the funds, albeit after facing substantial backlash.
Further entangling the CPIM with Santiago Martin, senior advocate MK Damodaran, known for his proximity to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, represented Martin in a case filed by the Enforcement Directorate in 2016, as well as in March 2018 concerning the lottery scam.
The ties between Santiago Martin and political heavyweights extend beyond Kerala. In a notable episode from October 2010, the Advocate General of Tamil Nadu, P. S. Raman, represented Martin in the Kerala High Court. However, following an uproar from the Kerala government, DMK supremo Karunanidhi intervened, compelling Raman to withdraw.
Moreover, Martin’s involvement in the production of Karunanidhi’s 75th film, ‘Ilaignan,’ stands as a testament to his sway. Reportedly, Martin contributed Rs 50 crores to revive the film, compensating Karunanidhi with Rs 45 lakhs as the scriptwriter. Allegations surfaced, suggesting that this exchange facilitated Martin’s unimpeded operation of his illegal lottery business, as per a report by India Today.
Martin’s influence transcends ideological boundaries, evident in his ties with the Congress party. Veteran Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi defended Martin in the Kerala High Court in September 2010, albeit withdrawing due to opposition from the Left.
Similarly, a nexus between Martin and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) came to light when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) revealed that TMC Minister Anubrata Mondal and his daughter had won the lottery five times in three years.
The shadows of scandal loom large over Santiago Martin, stemming from accusations of causing a staggering loss of Rs 910.29 crores to the Sikkim government through fraudulent lottery ticket sales in Kerala between April 1, 2009, and August 31, 2010. The Enforcement Directorate has seized significant assets and launched investigations into his financial dealings, tracing back to 2011.
From his humble beginnings as a daily-wage laborer in Myanmar to amassing a Rs 7000 crore ‘lottery’ empire, Santiago Martin’s trajectory is riddled with allegations of financial fraud and money laundering. Despite periodic crackdowns by investigative agencies, his influence continues to cast a long shadow over Indian politics.
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