Kerala police have filed a first information report (FIR) against well-known journalist and news anchor Anto Augustine, along with Reporter Broadcasting Company, following a major controversy over a false claim about football superstar Lionel Messi visiting the state. The incident has sent shockwaves through Kerala's media landscape and sparked widespread outrage among fans and the public.
The controversy began when Reporter TV, a popular Malayalam news channel owned by Reporter Broadcasting Company, ran a report claiming that Argentine legend Lionel Messi would be making a special appearance in Thiruvananthapuram. The channel promoted the story aggressively across its broadcast and social media handles, generating enormous excitement among millions of football fans across Kerala and beyond.
However, the claim soon came under scrutiny as no official confirmation emerged from Messi's camp, the Mumbai Police, or any government authority. Reports surfaced indicating that the actual event was a music concert in Mumbai organized by a private entity, and Messi had no connection to it whatsoever. The Mumbai Police had already issued clarifications stating they had not received any such proposal.
Angry citizens and fan groups took to social media, accusing the news channel and its anchor of deliberately misleading viewers for TRP ratings. Many expressed frustration over the misuse of Messi's name and image, calling the act a clear betrayal of public trust. Protests were staged at several locations in Kerala, demanding strict action against those responsible.
In response to the mounting pressure, Kerala police registered an FIR against Anto Augustine and Reporter Broadcasting Company under sections related to cheating and criminal conspiracy. Law enforcement authorities are now investigating whether the channel deliberately fabricated the story knowing it was false, or whether there was a larger conspiracy involving multiple parties to promote a fraudulent event.
The incident has reignited debates about journalistic ethics in Kerala's competitive media environment. Senior journalists and media analysts have criticized the channel for prioritizing viewership over truth, warning that such practices erode public confidence in news institutions. Consumer forums and legal experts are also exploring whether the channel can be held accountable for mental agony and financial losses suffered by fans who made plans based on the false information.
Reporter Broadcasting Company has yet to issue a detailed public statement regarding the allegations. Legal proceedings against Anto Augustine and the company are expected to follow as the investigation continues.
