Has right to decide on cops, state government to Kerala High Court

KOCHI: The state government has the prerogative to decide on the transfer and postings of officials in the police head quarters (PHQ) as part of routine administrative measures. In a submission to the Kerala High Court on Wednesday the government stated that the allegation of total reshuffle in the staffing of PHQ and placing a tainted officer at a top post was wrong.

The submission was made in connection with petition seeking the circumstances of the appointment of additional director general of police Tomin Thachankary at the PHQ. The government also submitted that all allegations except the case connected with the disproportionate assets against Thachankary were probed and closed. The government submitted that Thachankary was issued with a “severe warning” and asked him not to repeat the offence in 2013 for undertaking a foreign tour without the permission of the government. On amassing wealth disproportionate to his known sources income the state submitted that the vigilance court has not so far framed charges against him.

On links with Thadiyantavida Nazeer accused in terror cases the government said the NIA probe did not bring any material to prove allegations. The NIA had concluded that there was no credible material to prove the allegations and no departmental inquiries pending against him.  The government also said Thachankary has completed 30 years of service and as per the guidelines for promotion in Indian Police Service he was eligible for further promotion. The government acted without ulterior motives for his retaining as an ADGP.