Stocking excess liquor: Anto Augustine arrested, to be brought to Wayanad

KOCHI: Anto Augustine, owner of Reporter TV, has been arrested in the case of possessing liquor beyond the permissible limit from his ancestral house at Vazhavatta in Wayanad. A team led by excise assistant commissioner Baiju reached Anto’s office in Kochi Thursday early morning and arrested him. He was later taken to the Aluva District Hospital for a medical examination.

Officer Baiju said Anto would be taken to Wayanad and produced before the court. He said Anto is presently the only accused in the case. He will be produced before the Judicial First-Class Magistrate Court in Sulthan Bathery.

Sections 55A, 55I and 58 of the Abkari Act have been invoked against him. Section 55A deals with the illegal transportation and possession of liquor and carries a punishment of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs one lakh. Section 55I deals with the illegal sale of liquor or possession of liquor for the purpose of illegal sale. Section 58 relates to possession of liquor with the intention of evading tax.

67.5 litres of foreign-made liquor, including wine were found in the raid at his house. Reports say the seized contraband includes liquor priced at over Rs 50,000 per litre. The raid was conducted under the leadership of Wayanad Crime Branch DySP P L Shaju, who is also a member of the SIT. The inspection which began at around 6 am yesterday continued until 6.15 pm. Only employees were present in the house during the search. Those who arrived claiming to be relatives were not allowed to enter inside.