THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has decided to initiate criminal action against senior IPS officer Jacob Thomas for the violation of norms in his controversial service story Sravukalkoppam Neenthumpol (Swimming with sharks). According to sources, a criminal case and disciplinary proceedings are likely against Mr. Thomas, who is now serving as director- general of the Institute of Management in Government. Criminal charges that could attract up to two-year imprisonment may be imposed on him.
A committee headed by additional chief secretary (home) Subartha Biswas that looked into the issue reported to the government that Mr. Thomas had violated the Police Forces (Restriction of Rights) Act 1966 and All-India Service Conduct Rules. Based on the report, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan ordered criminal and disciplinary actions against Mr. Thomas. While the police will initiate criminal action, the chief secretary will take disciplinary action. He may also be placed under suspension pending inquiry.
The committee that reviewed the book pointed out over 50 instances of violation of conduct rules. Certain remarks against the Lok Ayukta related to the Pattoor land grab case could also attract legal action. Mr. Thomas had not sought government permission to pen the book on service matters, which amounted to violation of the Police Forces (Restriction of Rights) Act's section 3, sub-section 'c'. The violation of the section could attract up to two- year imprisonment.
The book was released in May. Though Mr Pinarayi Vijayan was supposed to release it, he backtracked at the last minute following the controversy. Then chief secretary Nalini Netto had pointed out violation of service rules and subsequently the government appointed a three-member committee headed by Mr. Biswas. Law secretary B.G. Hareendranath and information and public relations director K. Ampady were the members of the committee.
