Thiruvananthapuram: Former Director General of Police (DGP) Jacob Thomas, who had an eventful tenure in various posts in Kerala, has revealed that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was aware that he was writing the book ‘Sravukalkoppam Neenthumbol’ (Swimming with the sharks). Thomas was later suspended from service for publishing the book, which is a memoir of his official experiences.
In another revelation, Thomas, who was the Vigilance Director, said that the Vigilance had taken action against former minister E P Jayarajan over nepotism charges after getting Pinarayi’s nod.
Incidentally, Thomas is still facing punishment for writing the book. Even after superannuation, his retirement benefits such as provident fund amount have not been paid by the state government. All that he is receiving at present is a provisional pension. After a prolonged suspension period and denial of work, the government finally appointed Thomas as Chairman and Managing Director of Metal Industries at Shoranur. Thomas retired from service while holding this post.
Book issue
'Sravukalkoppam Neenthumbol' was ready for publishing during 2016-17. At that time, being the Vigilance Director, I used to meet Pinarayi regularly. Along with official matters, I also told him about my book and the Chief Minister agreed to release it. However, the situation later changed and I was suspended for writing the book. Moreover, a case was registered against me by the Crime Branch,” recalled Thomas.
“In fact, I had officially informed the government about the book six months before its launch. I had also told the then Chief Secretary Nalini Netto about the book in advance,” added the former police officer.
Action against Jayarajan
According to Thomas, as Vigilance Director, he had discussed with the Chief Minister before initiating action against E P Jayarajan, who was a minister at that time.
Jayarajan was accused of appointing Sudheer, son of P K Sreemathi, a member of the CPM central committee and his sister-in-law, to the post of managing director, Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Ltd. (KSIEL), flouting all rules. The Vigilance probe revealed that Jayarajan had ignored two other eligible candidates and issued orders to appoint Sudheer. Moreover, CPM had conducted a special internal probe into the issue and a meeting. Subsequently, Jayarajan was forced to resign as minister.
Relations with CM
Thomas said that he was once very close to the Chief Minister. However, the relationship later turned sour. “I have no idea why Pinarayi started ignoring me. Probably the reason was a speech I delivered against graft during an Anti-Corruption Day event in 2017,” he says.
The former senior police officer was served with his first suspension for this speech the same year. He subsequently faced more suspension orders and was reinstated in service two years ago. “Even though my superannuation took place one year ago, I am yet to receive my retirement benefits,” said Thomas.