Reporter TV MD Anto Augustine Gets Fresh Notice to Appear Before Kerala Police

Police had initially summoned Augustine to appear on Monday. However, he did not appear before the investigating team. His lawyer subsequently informed the police that Augustine was out of the city and would be available only after October 5.

The police declined the request for additional time and issued a fresh notice asking Augustine to appear at the Kalamassery police station on Thursday.

Augustine had earlier indicated that he intended to approach the Kerala High Court seeking the quashing of the FIR.

The case stems from a complaint filed by KPCC spokesperson Raju P. Nair over remarks Augustine allegedly made at a public event around two weeks ago. During the event, Augustine claimed that two young men had approached him with documents purportedly relating to the alleged marriage of Chief Minister Satheesan.

Augustine further claimed that he had conducted an inquiry into the documents at the Baindoor Sub-Registrar's Office and that the papers were in his possession.

The comments triggered a political controversy because they concerned an allegation about the personal life of the Chief Minister. Nair subsequently approached the police, alleging that Augustine's remarks were intended to publicly insult Satheesan.

Following a direction from the Director General of Police, Kalamassery police registered a case.

According to the FIR, Augustine and two others are alleged to have been involved in a conspiracy and to have knowingly possessed forged documents. Police are investigating the origin and authenticity of the documents as well as how they came into Augustine's possession.

The complainant has also sought the seizure of the documents and the examination of CCTV footage to establish the identities of those allegedly involved in preparing them.

The latest notice comes as Augustine is also facing legal proceedings in other cases, including matters related to the Muttil tree-felling controversy. He was recently arrested in an Abkari case and subsequently granted bail.

Police are now awaiting Augustine's appearance on Thursday as the investigation into the allegations continues.