Kochi, September 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Reporter TV managing director Anto Augustine on Monday did not appear for police questioning in a case registered over alleged defamatory remarks concerning Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, with his lawyer informing police that he would soon approach the Kerala High Court seeking quashing of the FIR.
Anto’s lawyer told police that he was not in the city and would not appear at the Kalamassery police station as directed. The questioning was ordered in connection with a complaint filed by KPCC spokesperson Raju P. Nair.
The case relates to remarks Anto allegedly made at a public function around two weeks ago. He claimed that two young men had approached him with marriage-related documents and that he had subsequently conducted an enquiry into the records at the Baindoor Sub-Registrar’s Office. Anto also claimed that the documents were in his possession.
The remarks triggered a political controversy after they were interpreted as an allegation concerning Satheesan’s personal life. Nair subsequently approached the police, alleging that Anto had made the statements with the intention of publicly insulting the Chief Minister.
Following directions from the Director General of Police, a case was registered. The FIR alleges that Anto and two others conspired in the matter and knowingly possessed forged documents. Police are also examining how the alleged documents were obtained and whether they were fabricated.
Nair has sought seizure of the documents and examination of CCTV footage to identify those allegedly involved in preparing the purportedly forged records.
The latest case comes as Anto faces scrutiny in connection with the Muttil tree-felling cases. Police have filed chargesheets in several cases linked to the alleged large-scale felling and transportation of timber following a 2020 Revenue Department order.
Anto had also recently been in jail in connection with an abkari case and was granted bail last week.
His decision to skip questioning and proposed High Court challenge are expected to shape the next stage of the investigation, with police continuing to examine the complaint, FIR and supporting material.
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