Kalamassery police book Anto Augustine, Reporter Broadcasting in Messi visit probe

The Kalamassery police have registered a first information report in connection with the Special Investigation Team's probe into alleged financial misappropriation and tax evasion surrounding a failed attempt to bring the Argentina national football team and former captain Lionel Messi to Kochi for an international match during the previous LDF government's tenure.

Those arraigned include Anto Augustine, the authorised signatory of Reporter Broadcasting Company Private Limited, and the company itself. The accused have been booked on charges of cheating and criminal conspiracy.

According to the FIR, the accused entered into a criminal conspiracy dating back to before December 20, 2024, when "illegal and fake" details were inserted into the agreement signed with the Argentina Football Association, with the intent of cheating the State government and the public for profiteering. The FIR further alleges that the accused conspired to gain custody of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium at Kaloor by securing exemption from the ₹5 crore security deposit on September 26, 2025.

ADGP P. Vijayan, who heads the SIT, said the FIR was registered after a preliminary inquiry found prima facie grounds for the offence. He said searches were carried out on the basis of a Magistrate's warrant at places and institutions linked to the accused, where documents connected to the offence were likely to be found. The police will verify the digital evidence, portions of which are yet to be made accessible to investigators, he added.

Mr. Augustine, however, said the SIT had so far asked him nothing about the Messi controversy, which he had already clarified and was willing to explain again if served a notice. He alleged that the SIT appeared more interested in identifying the source of certain news telecast by Reporter TV, which he insisted he would not reveal.

"I have not been given a copy of the FIR. I have not claimed any benefit of journalistic privilege. While I have no objection to searches being conducted at my home and office, what was the need to enter the newsroom, disrupt input calls, and seize the mobile phones of journalists who have nothing to do with the case? This is worse than what happened during the Emergency," Mr. Augustine said.

He further alleged that the GST department's report on the matter had been prepared without incorporating his version.