Expressing dissatisfaction at the State government’s affidavit on the appointment of Additional Director General of Police Tomin J. Thachankary at the Police Headquarters, a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Friday directed the government to file a fresh affidavit responding to the allegations against the IPS officer.
The Bench pointed out that Mr. Thachankary was facing prosecution before the Muvattupuzha Vigilance Court for amassing wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income.
The Vigilance had already filed a chargesheet against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Now the stage was set for framing of charges by the court. No charges could be framed as Mr. Thachankary failed to appear before the court despite notice. The court made these observations when a petition filed by Jose Thomas of Alappuzha challenging the en masse transfer of top police officials came up for hearing. The petitioner submitted that a case in which the then Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) Director had recommended suspension of Mr. Thachankary from service had not been mentioned in the government affidavit. The case related to a directive by Mr. Thachankary to collect money from subordinates while he was Transport Commissioner.
He said the government had promoted Mr. Thachankary and given him the charge of T-section that handled top secrets. Certain files relating to Mr. Thachankary were missing from the section.
The government had submitted that only one Vigilance case was pending against Mr.Thachankary. All other cases were closed. The government said he had not been entrusted with any law and order duty.
