Lilly Jose seeks anticipatory bail in Wayanad liquor case

Lilly Jose, the mother-in-law of Reporter Broadcasting Managing Director Anto Augustine, has filed an anticipatory bail plea in the Kalpetta Sessions Court. The application follows an investigation by the Excise Department into a large liquor seizure at a residence in Vazhavatta, Wayanad.

The seizure occurred during a search conducted by a special investigation team probing a fraud case involving a promise to bring Argentine footballer Lionel Messi to Kerala. Officials recovered approximately 67 litres of various liquors and wines, including over 43 litres of imported spirits. A case was registered under the Abkari Act.

Anto Augustine was previously arrested and released on bail. While his legal team argues that the Vazhavatta property was purchased by Lilly Jose for Rs 2.10 crore after being attached by the State Bank of India, prosecutors dispute this claim. They noted that revenue records and building tax receipts still list Anto Augustine as the owner, as no registered sale deed has been produced to prove the transfer of ownership. The court is scheduled to hear the bail plea on October 7.