Mr Chennithala said that various discussions were held on the lack of infrastructure of the FRS and funds were also sanctioned
Jacob Thomas
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even while hailing the integrity of IPS officer Jacob Thomas, home minister Ramesh Chennithala defended the government decision to shift him from the Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) commandant general's post maintaining that it was not due to pressure from builders, but other reasons.
Talking to reporters here on Sunday, the home minister said that he could not reveal the reasons that led to Jacob Thomas' removal as it was subsequent to a discussion in the Cabinet. He also maintained that the government was not opposed to the action taken to ensure fire safety of high-rise buildings, but the confusions caused by a circular restricting fire and rescue services.
Denying the allegations that Chief Minister Oommen Chandy held discussions with builders, Mr Chennithala said that various discussions were held on the lack of infrastructure of the FRS and funds were also sanctioned. Mr Thomas was also present at the meetings. "The government also did not impose any pressure on Mr Thomas to favour builders," he said.
Mr Chennithala also said that it was within the government's power to seek an explanation from an officer and hence the decision to do so from Mr Thomas would not affect the government's image.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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