Anto Augustine skips police questioning in defamation case

Anto Augustine, the owner of Reporter TV, has declined to appear for police questioning in Kochi regarding an FIR filed against him for allegedly defamatory remarks concerning Chief Minister Satheesan. Augustine’s legal counsel informed authorities that he would not attend the Kalamassery station and intends to petition the Kerala High Court to quash the FIR.

The case originated from a complaint by KPCC spokesperson Raju P. Nair, following remarks Augustine made at a public function. During the event, Augustine claimed to have investigated marriage documents involving the Chief Minister at the Baindoor Sub-Registrar’s Office. The FIR alleges that Augustine and two others conspired to possess forged documents and aims to determine if the records were fabricated.

Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the documents and may examine CCTV footage to identify those involved in their preparation. This legal challenge follows previous scrutiny of Augustine regarding his alleged involvement in the Muttil tree-felling cases.