THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: IPS officer Jacob Thomas, who was placed under suspension on charges of criticising the government in connection with Ockhi disaster, is learnt to have justified his earlier stand. According to sources, in a reply given to the government on a notice seeking explanation in this regard, Mr. Thomas had said that his statement that the government failed to give adequate warning to fishermen on Ockhi cyclone was based on reports and not his own finding. He further said that his statement that the government had no clear data on the number of victims of Ockhi was also not baseless.
Mr. Thomas was also learnt to have pointed out that his statement of corruption in governance was based on international study reports. He also said that he had no intention to criticise the government. Mr. Thomas made the controversial statements at a public function here on December 9. The government ordered his suspension on the ground that the statement of Mr. Thomas was inflammatory and unwarranted of an officer of his stature. Mr. Thomas, who was handpicked by the LDF government to Vigilance director post as soon as it took over, also faced government’s ire in connection with a service story 'Sravukalkoppam Neent-humpol' (swimming along with sharks).
