‘No comments on V D Satheesan’s personal life’: Anto Augustine welcomes probe into Messi controversy

KOCHI: Reporter TV managing director Anto Augustine said that he welcomes any investigation into the controversy over bringing football star Lionel Messi to Kerala. While talking to the media, he said that he would fully cooperate with the investigation and that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) could conduct a raid wherever necessary.

‘I have no answer to questions related to V D Satheesan’s personal life. I will cooperate with every investigation into the Messi controversy. Other than that, we have no answers to questions such as who is leaking news to us, how we are reporting the news, or who in the Congress is supporting you. If this is a genuine and honest investigation, there is no need for this drama.

Why did the police force their way into the news desk? They seized the journalists’ phones. If you have anything to ask me, ask me directly. Otherwise, issue a notice to me. The SIT has not given me even a single notice so far. I have all the answers in connection with the Messi controversy.

Instead of asking me those questions, why did they barge into my house in the morning and start questioning me? They are not asking anything related to the Messi controversy. Why are they so afraid of a channel? Why did they ask whether we wanted to make Congress leaders our enemies? They have been in power for only three months. Why are they afraid of us? Why were the homes of journalists raided? I am ready to provide clarification to the SIT,’ Anto Augustine said.

Meantime, according to the police FIR, Anto Augustine is the first accused in the football sponsorship fraud case. The FIR registered at the Kalamassery Police Station says that he deceived and cheated the government by claiming that he would bring Argentina national football team to Kerala.