KOCHI, September 17: Reporter TV Managing Director Anto Augustine was arrested by Kerala Excise officials early Thursday in a case involving the alleged possession of liquor beyond the legally permitted limit at his family residence in Wayanad. The arrest came a day after police searched properties linked to Augustine as part of a separate investigation connected to a failed plan to bring football star Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to Kerala.
Anto Augustine Arrested From Kochi Office
Excise officials took Augustine into custody from the Reporter TV office in Kalamassery, Kochi, during the early hours of September 17.
He was taken for a mandatory medical examination before being moved to Wayanad, where the Excise case was registered.
Officials said the action followed information provided by a Special Investigation Team that had searched Augustine’s family residence in Wayanad a day earlier.
Liquor Allegedly Found Above Permitted Limit
During the Wayanad search, authorities said they recovered a large quantity of Indian-made and foreign liquor that allegedly exceeded Kerala’s legally permitted possession limits.
The Indian Express reported that around 67 litres of liquor was recovered from the property.
Kerala’s liquor rules place limits on how much alcohol an individual may possess without a licence.
The Excise Department subsequently registered a case against Augustine under provisions of the Kerala Abkari Act.
Case Registered Under Abkari Act
According to officials, Augustine has been booked under Sections 55(A), 55(I) and 58 of the Abkari Act.
The provisions include offences related to alleged possession and handling of liquor in violation of state excise laws.
Authorities said the charges include non-bailable provisions, though Augustine will have the opportunity to challenge the allegations through the legal process.
Arrest Follows Searches in Messi Event Probe
The liquor case emerged during searches carried out as part of a separate investigation into alleged financial irregularities surrounding a proposed Lionel Messi football event in Kerala.
The Special Investigation Team searched several locations linked to Augustine and his brother, including residences in Kochi and Wayanad and offices associated with Reporter Broadcasting Company.
The investigation relates to an initiative that was intended to bring Messi and the Argentina national football team to the state but did not materialise as planned.
Augustine Denies Knowledge of Liquor
Speaking to reporters after being detained, Augustine said he had cooperated with investigators in the Messi-related case and claimed he was unaware of the liquor allegedly recovered from the Wayanad property.
He also said he does not consume alcohol.
The claims are Augustine’s account and the allegations against him remain subject to investigation and court proceedings.
Authorities Continue Investigation
Officials said Augustine would be produced before the appropriate court in Wayanad following medical and procedural formalities.
The Excise investigation into the alleged liquor possession and the police investigation connected to the failed Messi event are separate cases.
Further details are expected as investigators examine documents and evidence collected during the searches.
source – The Indian Express / PTI / The South First
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