Kochi (Keralam) [India], September 16 : The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Keralam Police on Wednesday conducted extensive search operations at the headquarters of Malayalam news channel Reporter TV and the residences of its promoters, the Augustine brothers, in connection with an alleged fraud case related to the proposed visit of football icon Lionel Messi to the state.
Addressing reporters, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) P Vijayan stated that the searches were carried out on the basis of a search warrant obtained from the magistrate following a preliminary inquiry and a communication received from the state government's Sports Department.
"This was only a preliminary inquiry, based on the report received by the government. Our initial assessment is that a crime has taken place. An FIR has been registered at Kalamassery in connection with the alleged fraud carried out in the name of Messi. The inspection at Reporter TV’s office in Kalamassery was part of that preliminary investigation," ADGP Vijayan said.
Dismissing reports that journalists' equipment was confiscated or newsroom operations were halted, the senior police officer clarified that editorial functioning continued without interference.
"The search was conducted only after obtaining a search warrant from the magistrate. No mobile phone was seized from any journalist during the inspection. We only asked them to keep the phones aside; they were not taken into custody," Vijayan said, adding, "The functioning of the newsroom was not disrupted. The police did not attempt to stop the broadcast. We have also recorded visuals of the inspection."
Detailing the scope of the operation, the ADGP said five teams were deployed to collect digital evidence from multiple locations.
"Five teams are carrying out the inspections. Anto Augustin is the first accused in the case, while RBC (Reporter Broadcasting Company) is the second accused. Other accused persons will be identified after the preliminary investigation. The inspections are being conducted at the RBC office, the residence of the Augustin brothers, and the residence of another relative. The process is taking time because we need to obtain copies of digital records," he said, confirming that no arrests have been made so far.
Meanwhile, Keralam chief minister, VD Satheesan, also weighed in on the police action, stating that the searches were part of an ongoing multi-agency probe into financial disparities flagged earlier.
"I don't think the police interrupted broadcasting at Reporter TV. A Special Investigation Team was formed to investigate the fraud in the name of Messi. This raid is part of that investigation," CM Satheesan said.
He further pointed out that prior scrutiny by government bodies had uncovered irregularities, leading to the registration of the criminal case.
"The GST department also investigated this issue with another SIT, and the Sports Department enquiry also revealed some disparities. That is why the police registered the case, and the raid is part of the investigation," Satheesan added.
Further investigation and forensic examination of the seized digital evidence are underway.