The Kerala High Court has refused to grant interim bail to Reporter TV Managing Director Anto Augustine, who was arrested in connection with a case involving the alleged illegal possession of liquor under the Kerala Abkari Act.
According to the prosecution, a search conducted at Augustine's residence in Wayanad led to the recovery of a substantial quantity of liquor, including liquor allegedly stored beyond the permissible limit and certain quantities alleged to be illicit. Following the seizure, excise authorities registered a case under various provisions of the Kerala Abkari Act carrying non-bailable offences.
Augustine approached the Kerala High Court seeking interim bail. During the hearing, the prosecution strongly opposed the plea and submitted that proceedings relating to custody and further investigation were pending before the jurisdictional magistrate court.
The defence argued that the premises from which the liquor was allegedly recovered did not belong to Augustine and that the property had previously been subjected to bank proceedings. However, the prosecution disputed this contention and relied on records indicating his possession and control over the premises.
Observing that custody-related applications were already pending before the lower court, the High Court declined to grant interim bail at this stage and deferred further consideration of the matter.
The case has attracted significant public attention due to Augustine's position as the Managing Director of Reporter TV. The investigation by excise authorities is continuing, and further judicial proceedings are expected in the coming days.