Jacob Thomas's prospects not bright yet

Thiruvananthapuram: Further evidence on the allegations against Vigilance director Jacob Thomas has surfaced  causing further dilemma to the government in deciding on his request to relieve him from the post.

A report sent by present director of ports, Sheik Pareeth, to the government last month confirming the finance inspection wing’s findings on the irregularities in the ports departments while Mr Jacob Thomas was holding the director post could influence the government decision on  his representation.

Mr. Thomas has been going ahead with his work as Vigilance director. Though he had earlier indicated that he would not rethink on his decision, he made a U-turn by Thursday.

It is learnt that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had conveyed to him that there would not be any pressure on the Vigilance in connection with the probe against former industry minister and CPM leader E.P. Jayarajan.

Sources said that the government had adopted  a wait and watch policy as there were reports that a section of IAS-IPS officers was  trying to bring out more corruption  charges against Mr Jacob Thomas. A few senior IAS officers had earlier told the chief minister about their displeasure against Mr Thomas for registering cases against officers without proper verifications. This could also influence a final decision of the government on the matter.

Meanwhile, there were also allegations that  ports director Sheik Pareeth  faced Vigilance probes and hence the fresh report by him could also be interpreted as a move by the IAS lobby.