Reporter TV MD Anto Augustine in Custody Amid Liquor Seizure Investigation
Anto Augustine's Custody and Investigation Details
File image of Reporter TV MD Anto Augustine(Photo: IANS)
Wayanad, Sep 19: Anto Augustine, the Managing Director of Reporter Broadcasting Corporation, is currently in judicial custody related to a liquor seizure case. On Saturday, a court in Wayanad authorized the Excise Department to hold him for an additional 24 hours for further questioning.
This decision follows the rejection of Augustine's bail application by the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Sulthan Bathery. The Kerala High Court also denied his request for interim bail on Friday, scheduling a further hearing for Tuesday.
Augustine was taken into custody by the Excise Department early Thursday morning at the Reporter TV office in Kalamassery, following the discovery of liquor allegedly found at his ancestral home in Vazhavatta, Wayanad. Officials reported that approximately 67 liters of liquor and wine were seized during a search conducted on Wednesday.
The seized items reportedly included foreign-made liquor and other alcoholic beverages that were not authorized for sale in India. The Excise Department has filed a case against Augustine under Sections 55(a), 55(i), and 58 of the Kerala Abkari Act, which pertain to illegal possession and handling of liquor.
An Excise team, led by Assistant Commissioner Baiju, arrived at the Reporter TV office around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday to arrest Augustine. He was subsequently taken to Wayanad and presented before the Bathery court, which ordered him to remain in judicial custody for 14 days.
This arrest occurred shortly after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted searches at the offices of Reporter Broadcasting Corporation and properties linked to Augustine and his brothers in Kochi and Wayanad. The SIT is investigating alleged financial irregularities related to a planned visit by football star Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team to Kerala, during which various documents and records were seized, including those pertaining to Kaloor Stadium.
Authorities have clarified that the investigation into the football event is distinct from the Excise case. Additionally, a separate tax-related inquiry has raised concerns about potential financial misconduct involving Reporter Broadcasting Corporation.
Augustine has refuted the allegations regarding liquor and asserts that he has fully cooperated with the SIT by providing all requested documents. After the 24-hour interrogation, he is expected to appear in court again.