# Legal investigations into Anto Augustine in Kerala > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/legal-investigations-into-anto-augustine-in-kerala > Updated: 2026-09-28T06:07:47.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 3. Anto Augustine, Managing Director of Reporter Broadcasting Company, continues to face multiple legal investigations in Kerala. While the Sulthan Bathery court previously denied his bail regarding the possession of approximately 67 litres of unauthorized liquor found at his Wayanad home, new legal challenges have emerged. Augustine has sought anticipatory bail in a separate case filed in Thiruvananthapuram involving allegations of a conspiracy to spread false claims concerning the marriage of Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan. This matter, initiated by a complaint from Congress leader Raju P. Nair, alleges the claims were part of a “blackmail strategy.” In a recent development regarding the defamation case, Augustine has declined to appear for police questioning at the Kalamassery station in Kochi. His legal counsel stated his intention to petition the Kerala High Court to quash the FIR. The investigation follows Augustine’s claims at a public function that he had investigated marriage documents at the Baindoor Sub-Registrar’s Office. The FIR alleges that Augustine and two others conspired to possess forged documents, and police are investigating whether records were fabricated, potentially utilizing CCTV footage to identify those involved. These developments follow the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged financial irregularities and a tax liability of Rs 25.78 crore related to a failed agreement with the Argentina Football Association regarding a proposed visit by Lionel Messi. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-28: Anto Augustine skips police questioning in defamation case Reporter TV owner Anto Augustine has skipped police questioning regarding alleged defamatory remarks about Chief Minister Satheesan and intends to seek a quashing of the FIR in the Kerala High Court. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anto-augustine-skips-police-questioning-in-defamation-case ### 2026-09-18: Anto Augustine faces multiple legal cases in Kerala Reporter TV MD Anto Augustine faces dual legal battles in Kerala: a denied bail plea in an illegal liquor possession case and a new case involving alleged false claims about the Kerala Chief Minister. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/reporter-tv-chief-anto-augustine-denied-bail-in-kerala-liquor-case ### 2026-09-16: Anto Augustine arrested in Kerala football sponsorship fraud probe Anto Augustine, head of Reporter TV, has been arrested amid investigations into alleged fraud involving a proposed Lionel Messi visit to Kerala and significant unpaid tax liabilities. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anto-augustine-named-prime-accused-in-kerala-football-sponsorship-fraud-case --- Cite as: Legal investigations into Anto Augustine in Kerala. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/legal-investigations-into-anto-augustine-in-kerala