A court has reserved its decision on Anto Augustine’s anticipatory bail plea, seeking protection from arrest amid the ongoing Messi row investigation in India.

A court reserved its order on an anticipatory bail application filed by Anto Augustine, who sought protection from arrest in connection with an ongoing investigation into the Messi row.

Augustine moved the pre-arrest bail application anticipating an imminent action to arrest him by law enforcement authorities. The legal petition came immediately after the Special Investigation Team probing the case executed search operations across several locations associated with Augustine and his brothers.

Search operations at linked locations

The search operations were conducted as part of the Special Investigation Team's active probe into the matters surrounding the Messi row. Investigators targeted premises connected to the applicant and his family members to gather evidence relevant to the case.

In response to the search operations carried out at family-linked properties, Augustine filed the anticipatory bail application to guard against potential police custody while the inquiry remains active.

Legal proceedings and pending order

During the court session, arguments were submitted concerning the anticipatory bail petition and the investigative actions taken by the Special Investigation Team. The bench heard arguments from both sides and decided to reserve its order on the matter.

The pending ruling will determine whether protection from arrest will be granted to Augustine or if the Special Investigation Team may proceed with further custodial actions under the scope of the current investigation.

The court is set to pronounce its decision on the anticipatory bail plea upon reviewing the case records and submissions presented during the hearing.

• Anto Augustine sought anticipatory bail following search operations by the Special Investigation Team.
• Searches were carried out at locations linked to Augustine and his brothers in connection with the Messi row.
• The court completed hearing arguments and reserved its formal order on the plea.