Anto Augustine's claim falling apart; GST document unveils truth about Vazhavatta house

WAYANAD: The claim made by Anto Augustine, owner of Reporter TV, regarding the house in Vazhavatta, Wayanad—where a liquor cache was seized—is falling apart. A document revealed that the address Anto Augustine provided to the GST Department is indeed that of the Vazhavatta house. Reports indicate that this address was listed in the statement he submitted to the GST office on the 3rd of last month.

Anto Augustine, arrested in an Abkari case, argued in court that the house where the liquor stash was seized did not belong to him but to his mother-in-law. The prosecution had previously submitted documents to the court indicating that the house belonged to Anto; these included a tax receipt paid in his name. The prosecution also maintains that a certificate issued by the Muttil Panchayat President and Secretary on the day of his arrest confirms the house is registered in Anto's name.

Anto Augustine received repeated summons regarding the non-payment of taxes amounting to approximately Rs 25 crore in connection with the Argentine team's visit to Kerala. Following this, he appeared in person at the GST office and gave his statement on the 3rd of last month.