Court denies anticipatory bail to Anto Augustine’s mother-in-law, rejects plea

KALPETTA: The Kalpetta Sessions Court rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Lilly Jose, mother-in-law of Anto Augustine, MD of Reporter Broadcasting Company, in the abkari case. The bail plea was filed after reports emerged that the excise department was likely to issue a notice directing Lilly to appear for interrogation. Meantime, the court accepted the defence’s request that, if Lilly is named as accused in the case, the excise department must issue her a notice before proceeding with her arrest. The excise department has informed the court that Lilly has not been made an accused in the case.

In a search conducted at the ancestral house in Vazhavatta, Wayanad, authorities found excessive stock of liquor. Anto Augustine was arrested in connection with it and was later granted bail. A total of 43 litres of foreign-made liquor and illicit liquor were recovered from the house. Under Indian law, an individual is permitted to store only three litres of liquor at home.

Anto Augustine told the Sultan Bathery court that the ancestral house was owned by his mother-in-law. He also informed the court that Lilly had purchased the foreclosed house through auction. Anto argued that since the house was a property under court attachment proceedings, a case could not be registered against him. He also claimed that he does not consume alcohol and that the house and property had been put up for sale under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act.

However, investigating officers say that the house is in Anto Augustine’s name. To establish that the house belongs to Anto Augustine, the investigators produced electoral roll details, KSEB electricity bill and village records before the court.