Over 67 litres of liquor seized from house; Anto Augustine remanded

WAYANAD: Reporter Channel MD Anto Augustine has been remanded in connection with a case involving the alleged illegal storage of liquor at his house. The Sultan Bathery Judicial First Class Magistrate Court remanded Anto Augustine for 14 days in the abkari case.

A team led by Excise Assistant Commissioner Baiju arrested Anto Augustine at his office in Kochi on Thursday morning. He was later taken to Aluva District Hospital for a medical examination. Anto has been booked under Sections 55A, 55I and 58 of the Abkari Act. Section 55A deals with the illegal transport and possession of liquor and carries a punishment of up to 10 years in prison and a minimum fine of Rs 1 lakh. Section 55I relates to the illegal sale of liquor or storing liquor for illegal sale. Section 58 deals with possession of liquor on which the applicable tax has not been paid.

During a search of his house, the authorities reportedly seized 67.5 litres of foreign-made liquor, including wine and other expensive varieties. The seized liquor reportedly included brands priced at more than Rs 50,000 per litre. The raid was conducted under the leadership of P. L. Shaju, Wayanad Crime Branch Deputy Superintendent of Police and a member of the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The inspection began at 6 am on Wednesday and continued until 6.15 pm. Only employees were present at the house during the search.