THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has decided to issue a fresh memo of charges to Mr. Jacob Thomas, senior IPS officer who is under suspension, in connection with his controversial service story Sravukalkoppam Neenthumpol (Swimming along with sharks). A panel constituted by the government had reviewed the book and found violation of conduct rules in about 15 instances. Based on that, the government decided to issue a memo of charges as a prelude to disciplinary action, said sources.
Mr. Thomas, who is the senior most IPS officer in service at present, is already facing disciplinary action for making statements criticizing the government in connection with the Ockhi disaster at a public meeting in Thiruvananthapuram. A panel headed by additional chief secretary Rajeev Sadanandan was also constituted to initiate the disciplinary proceedings.
According to sources, the book was reviewed by a panel headed by additional chief secretary Subratha Biswas which found a series of remarks that violated All-India Service (Conduct) Rules. Critical remarks regarding Pattoor land scam case and bar bribery case as well as revealing official matters were among the violations. This apart, Mr. Thomas also did not give the book for review by the government before publishing it.
