Kochi, Sep 30 (IANS): Kalamassery police in Kerala have issued a fresh notice to controversial Reporter TV Managing Director Anto Augustine, directing him to appear for questioning on Thursday in the case registered over his alleged defamatory remarks against Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan.
The police had initially asked Augustine to appear before them on Monday. However, he did not turn up.
His lawyer informed the police that Augustine was not in the city and would appear only after October 5.
The police rejected the request, saying they could not give him so much time.
A fresh notice was subsequently issued directing him to appear at the Kalamassery police station on Thursday.
Augustine had earlier indicated that he would approach the Kerala High Court seeking the quashing of the FIR.
The case was registered on a complaint by KPCC spokesperson Raju P. Nair. It relates to remarks made by Augustine at a public function about two weeks ago.
Augustine had claimed that two young men had approached him with documents relating to an alleged marriage of the Chief Minister.
He said he had conducted an enquiry into the documents at the Baindoor Sub-Registrar’s Office and that the documents were in his possession.
The remarks triggered a political controversy as they were seen as an allegation concerning the personal life of the Chief Minister. Raju P. Nair later approached the police, alleging that Augustine had made the remarks with the intention of publicly insulting CM Satheesan.
Following a direction from the Director General of Police, a case was registered.
The FIR alleges that Augustine and two others were involved in a conspiracy and had knowingly kept forged documents in their possession.
Police are examining the origin and authenticity of the documents and the circumstances in which they came into Augustine’s possession.
The complainant has also sought seizure of the documents and examination of CCTV footage to identify those allegedly involved in preparing them.
The case comes at a time when Augustine is facing legal proceedings in several other matters, including the Muttil tree-felling cases.
He was also recently arrested in an Abkari case and was later granted bail.
The police are now awaiting Augustine’s appearance on Thursday as they proceed with the investigation into the allegations.
