Chief secretary Jiji Thomson issues showcause notice to DGP Jacob Thomas

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Close on the heels of Cabinet deciding to seek explanation from Jacob Thomas, managing director of Kerala Police Housing Construction Corporation (KPHCC) , chief secretary Jiji Thomson has formally sent him a notice asking him to explain the reason for violating the code of conduct for all India civil service officers.

The notice has been issued to Thomas for speaking publicly against the chief minister and home minister during a press conference. He has been directed to give explanation within 15 days.

Though Thomas was not available for reaction, sources close to him said the officer was not upset with the government decision.

Since many reports had come out in the media painting him in a negative way, the officer had no other option but to put the record straight since his reputation as an honest and upright officer, had been challenged.

Sources said that officer believed that he had spoken to the media well within the norms. Moreover, he had only exercised his right of freedom of speech guaranteed under Constitution.

Sources said he had sought permission from the government to hold a press briefing for explaining his side of the story, the same was rejected.

It may be recalled that soon after taking over as Kerala Police Housing Construction Corporation (KPHCC), Jacob Thomas had disclosed to the media that as Fire Force chief 77 buildings came for clearance before him and all had been constructed in violation of fire safety norms.

He said though the technical team which conducted the inspection had issued notices to the violators, before before he could initiate action against them the government had shifted him out.

Jacob Thomas’s statement had embarrassed the government since chief minister had earlier justified his removal saying that they had received several complaints against him from various sections.

However, information collected through RTI had clearly revealed that there were no written complaints against Jacob Thomas before the chief minsters office.