Thiruvananthapuram: Senior IPS officer Jacob Thomas has made allegations against former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and former Civil Supplies Minister C Divakaran in an autobiography to be released on Monday by current CM Pinarayi Vijayan.
In the book tilted ‘Sravukalkoppam Neenthumpol’ (swimming along with sharks), Mr. Thomas alleges that Mr. Chandy even held a press conference to personally attack him. The vigilance probe into bar bribery allegations against former Excise Minister K Babu and Lok Ayukta ordered probe into the Pattoor land scams were cited as reasons for Mr. Chandy attacking him.
About four or five pages of bar owner Biju Ramesh’s statement pertained to allegations against Mr. Babu. However, those supporting Babu had decided not to probe it, he says in the book adding that then Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had no differences with the probe. He also says that his report on Patoor lands scam had not seen the light of day.
Mr. Thomas alleges that Mr. Divakaran had removed him from the Civil Supplies Corporation managing director post after he exposed corruption at the corporation. But his recommendations were implemented later. He also alleged that he was removed from the post of Director General, Fire and Rescue Service, because he exposed violations of fire safety norms by high rise buildings.
Mr. Thomas also patted Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala. Both Mr. Vijayan and Mr. Chennithala never interfered in vigilance investigations. He also said that Mr. Vijayan gave him sufficient moral support at the time of crisis. Mr. Thomas also cites reasons for his removal from various posts during his career.
Meanwhile, Mr. Thomas, who had gone on leave while serving as Vigilance director, is likely to take a decision on his future plans after meeting the Chief Minister. He was also exploring the option of taking up the teaching profession, said sources.
(Related report on Page 17. It has been inadvertently mentioned in the report that the book was being released on Sunday.)
