The Kerala judiciary has made headlines by declining bail for Anto Augustine, the Managing Director of Reporter TV, a prominent Malayalam news channel. This decision stems from Augustine’s recent arrest associated with an alleged violation of the Kerala Abkari Act, specifically pertaining to the possession of alcohol exceeding legally permissible limits.
On Thursday night, Judicial First Class Magistrate Adheena Biju, presiding at Sulthan Bathery, ordered Augustine into 14 days of judicial custody. This ruling followed the rejection of Augustine’s subsequent bail plea, which was presented to the court on Friday.
The arrest followed a thorough investigation led by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kerala Police. This team conducted extensive searches at Augustine’s various offices and residential properties as part of an inquiry into suspected financial misconduct. The investigation centers on a reportedly unsuccessful football event that had connections with the Argentinian national team and star player Lionel Messi, where Augustine’s company, Reporter Broadcasting Company, was a primary commercial sponsor.
During a police raid at Augustine’s family residence in Wayanad, authorities discovered approximately 67 litres of foreign liquor and wine. This quantity significantly surpasses the legally allowable limit for personal possession under the Kerala Abkari Act. The Excise Department executed Augustine’s arrest in the early hours of Thursday.
Augustine faces charges under Sections 55(i), 55(a), and 58 of the Kerala Abkari Act. These sections address the illegal activities of importing, exporting, transporting, selling, and possessing liquor or intoxicating substances without proper authorization.
During the bail hearing, the prosecution strongly opposed Augustine’s plea, arguing that the investigation is still at a nascent stage. They expressed concerns that granting bail could lead to Augustine potentially influencing witnesses, thereby hindering the investigative process.
