Reporter TV Managing Editor Anto Augustine and a colleague from the same channel have been directed to appear before the Kalamassery police on Monday, 29 September 2026, for questioning in connection with a case involving alleged derogatory remarks against Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and claims relating to a purported marriage. The summons comes at a pivotal moment, with a Thiruvananthapuram District Court set to deliver its ruling on Augustine's anticipatory bail application on Saturday.

Background to the Case

The case was registered by the Kalamassery police on a complaint filed by senior Congress leader and Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) spokesperson Raju P. Nair. The complaint was initially submitted to the State Police Chief, following which the Thiruvananthapuram City Cyber Police recorded the complainant's detailed statement before the matter was transferred to Kalamassery.

The allegations stem from remarks Augustine reportedly made at a public function approximately three weeks ago, in which he made serious claims about the Chief Minister and referenced documents purportedly related to a marriage. The police case centres on the allegation that these documents were fabricated and used in a deliberate attempt to defame Satheesan. A second Reporter TV journalist has separately been directed to appear before the police on Saturday as part of the same investigation.

What Augustine Has Said

Augustine has maintained that the documents in question were handed over to him by two unidentified men. He approached the Thiruvananthapuram District Court seeking anticipatory bail after the FIR was registered. The court's order on that plea is expected on Saturday, making the coming days legally significant for the journalist.

Augustine is currently out on bail after spending several days in custody in a separate abkari (excise) case, in which he is named the first accused. The latest FIR names him as the first accused in the defamation-related case as well, with two other unnamed individuals also mentioned for their alleged involvement.

The Complainant's Allegations

Nair, who appeared before the Kalamassery police and submitted his statement, has alleged that a broader conspiracy underpins the claims against Satheesan. He demanded that the documents purportedly in Augustine's possession be seized and subjected to forensic examination. Notably, Nair has also alleged that the timing of the episode — coinciding with searches of Reporter TV's offices by investigating agencies including the Enforcement Directorate (ED) — was not coincidental, and that the claims were part of an attempt to exert pressure on authorities during a difficult phase for the channel.

Scope of the Investigation

The FIR alleges that forged documents were knowingly possessed and circulated as part of a deliberate attempt to defame an elected representative and the office he holds. Police are expected to question Augustine and the Reporter TV journalist about the source of the documents, their authenticity, and the circumstances in which the allegations were first circulated publicly. It must be noted that these remain allegations forming part of an ongoing police investigation and have not been established by any court.

The case marks another chapter in the mounting legal difficulties facing Augustine, who also faces proceedings connected to what has been referred to as the Messi episode. With the court order and police questioning both due in the coming days, the situation is likely to develop rapidly.