Sabu M Jacob alleges multi-bank fraud, licence violations against Anto Augustine

Kochi: Businessman and Twenty20 president Sabu M Jacob has levelled serious allegations against Reporter Broadcasting Company managing director Anto Augustine, accusing him of financial fraud involving three banks and alleging that the media company has been operating without the required broadcasting licence.

Sabu alleged that major irregularities were involved in a property in Wayanad and questioned the circumstances surrounding an auction through which the house allegedly ended up with Anto Augustine’s family.

He further alleged that Anto had taken loans from three banks by using the same property as collateral. According to Sabu, Anto repaid the money and escaped action when the alleged irregularities came to light.

Sabu also alleged that Reporter Broadcasting Company has been functioning without a valid broadcasting licence or National Security Clearance. He claimed the company was operating under a licence issued to MV Nikesh Kumar and alleged that such an arrangement had no legal validity.

“Reporter Broadcasting Company is functioning without a licence. They are operating without a broadcasting licence or National Security Clearance. It is being run on the licence obtained by Nikesh Kumar. It has no legal validity. He has been continuing this for three years. Immediate intervention by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the government is essential in this matter,” Sabu said.

He also claimed that he had approached several people and authorities over the issue but alleged that no one was willing to take action.

Sabu said the Kerala High Court had intervened in the matter and directed the Centre to take action by November 23.

“His sphere of influence extends from the village level to senior officials. He also has political connections with senior leaders of all parties. If the Central or state government decides to act, this institution can be shut down within 24 hours,” Sabu alleged.

He said a Special Investigation Team is currently probing the matter, but claimed that merely bringing in the Enforcement Directorate or the Central Bureau of Investigation would not be enough to bring Anto before the law.

Sabu further alleged that an earlier case registered by the ED had failed to make progress because of the alleged ability of those involved to influence various government departments.

“Only if the ED or CBI conducts an investigation under the direct control and supervision of the Union Home Minister or the Prime Minister can he be put behind bars for the rest of his life,” Sabu said.