DGP Jacob Thomas ambivalent on Oommen Chandy role

In separate interviews to news channels, Thomas said the matter was before the Lok Ayukta and as a disciplined official, it was not appropriate for him to disclose the contents of the investigation report.

When pointed out that the chief minister had declared in the Assembly that his name did not figure in the report, the officer said, “I didn't hear and I didn’t see it. I read only whatever is of interest to me.”

Jacob Thomas said that his first report was a kind of “striptease” on the issue. He recommended registration of a vigilance case in view of the corruption, reclaiming of encroached government land, corrective measures to remove serious lapses in governance and lack of accountability.

The DGP said it was wrong to say that he had submitted just one report in Pattoor case. I have submitted many explanatory reports on the issue.

On whether there was any direct involvement of the chief minister and the then revenue minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, the officer said, “The case is before the Lok Ayukta and I don’t want to comment on it.” But he gave enough hints that there was enough evidence to register a FIR in the case.”

As per Lalitha Kumari case, if a cognizable offence is found in a preliminary inquiry, then an FIR should be registered immediately.”

Last month, Leader of the Opposition V. S. Achuthanandan had filed a complaint before the Vigilance Court under section 190(1) of the CrPC 1973 and section 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1998, alleging that the chief minister and officials including the former chief secretary had enabled the private realtor to obtain pecuniary benefits by allowing them to grab approximately 30 cents of government land vested with the Keral Water Authority.

The value of the property in that area was around Rs 80 lakh per cent of land. The case is coming up for hearing on December 30.