2 hrs ago
Anto Augustine Arrested as Kerala Messi Event Probe Intensifies
Anto Augustine, a media company manager, was arrested in Kerala.
The Excise Department says officials found more liquor at his house than the law allows.
They also found some homemade wine and bottles not authorised for sale in India.
The arrest is separate from another investigation about a proposed visit by Lionel Messi and Argentina’s football team.
Police searched offices and homes connected to Augustine.
They collected documents, memory cards and money in foreign currency.
Officials are investigating whether there were cheating or financial problems connected to the planned event.
Augustine will be taken to court in Sulthan Bathery.
Reporter TV Managing Director Anto Augustine was arrested by the Excise Department in a liquor-possession case.
Officials seized 43 litres of foreign liquor, seven litres of foreign wine and 13 litres of homemade wine from his Wayanad residence.
The arrest followed a nearly 20-hour SIT search of offices and properties linked to Augustine and his brothers.
Investigators seized documents, memory cards, Kaloor stadium records and $6,300 in foreign currency.
The separate SIT investigation concerns alleged cheating and financial irregularities surrounding the proposed Lionel Messi and Argentina team visit to Kerala.
- Who
- Anto Augustine, Reporter TV’s Managing Director, was arrested by the Excise Department; an SIT is investigating the proposed Messi-Argentina event.
- What
- Augustine was arrested in a liquor-possession case, while police investigated alleged cheating and financial irregularities linked to the proposed football event.
- Where
- Augustine was arrested at the Reporter TV office in Kalamassery; searches also took place in Kochi and Wayanad, and he is being taken to Sulthan Bathery.
- When
- The arrest took place early Thursday after searches conducted from about 6 a.m. Wednesday until 2:30 a.m. Thursday.
- Why
- Excise officials allege liquor was possessed beyond the permissible limit, while the SIT is examining alleged financial irregularities surrounding the proposed event.
Key facts
- Arrested
- Anto Augustine, Managing Director of Reporter TV
- Liquor seized
- 43 litres of foreign liquor, 7 litres of foreign wine and 13 litres of homemade wine
- Search duration
- Nearly 20 hours
- Other materials seized
- Documents, memory cards, Kaloor stadium records and $6,300 in foreign currency
- Liquor case
- A non-bailable case under the Abkari Act
- Separate investigation
- SIT probe into alleged cheating and financial irregularities tied to the proposed Messi-Argentina event
- Next court appearance
- Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Sulthan Bathery
Quotes
Ramesh Chennithala
Kerala State Home Minister commenting on the investigation
““They had a search warrant and proceeded accordingly. What happened during the past one decade is known to everyone. Why did you not see that then? Many media personnel were under duress. We are making it very clear that if anything wrong has been done, it will be looked into,””
thehansindia.com
““The SIT is doing its job according to law. It has acted only in accordance with the prevailing laws. The Home Minister does not intervene,””
thehansindia.com
Sources
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