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Keralam: Private news channel MD arrested in Abkari Act violation
On Thursday, the Kalpetta Excise took Anto Augustine, authorized signatory of Reporter Broadcasting Private Limited, into custody at the Kochi office. Officials booked him under the Kerala Abkari Act for allegedly possessing alcohol exceeding legal limits.
Excise officials seized 43 litres of foreign liquor during Wednesday raids at Augustine's residence in Wayanad. Kerala Excise Department regulations permit individuals to possess only three litres of Indian Made Foreign Liquor, 2.5 litres of Foreign Made Foreign Liquor, and 3.5 litres of wine.
The arrest follows a Special Investigation Team probe into alleged financial irregularities linked to an initiative to bring Lionel Messi to Kerala. Investigators flagged alleged tax evasion by Reporter Broadcasting Company Private Limited.
Denying knowledge of the liquor, Augustine claimed he does not drink and "I have been detained since 2am." Officials plan to conduct a medical examination before transferring him to Kalpetta on Thursday.
Separately, the Thiruvananthapuram Cyber Crime Police registered a case on Wednesday against Augustine for allegedly defaming Kerala Chief Minister Satheesan. Reporter Broadcasting Company condemned the raids, alleging staff phones were seized.