Can't crucify Jacob Thomas on media reports, says CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that the Government cannot act against Vigilance Director Jacob Thomas on the basis of media reports but that does preclude action against the officer if is found guilty.
Replying to the notice for an adjournment motion by M Vincent (Congress) for a discussion on allegations of “disproportionate wealth amassment” by Mr Thomas in the House on Thursday, Mr Vijayan discounted the speculation that the officer was going to be removed on basis of media reports.     But the allegation that he bought land in the name of a private company would be examined and action taken if it was found true, said Mr Vijayan.   

But it is a fact that the officer had taken a strong stand against corruption, which was why there was a clamour for his removal. Many people awaited his exit as he had taken strict action against many in his capacity as the Vigilance Director. However, if Mr Thomas was at fault, the government would not protect him, Mr Vijayan said. Later, the Opposition walked out in protest against Speaker P Sreemakrishnan’s refusal to allow the motion. The Opposition cited media reports, alleging that Mr Thomas had undisclosed property of 50 acres at Rajapalayam in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu.

The property was originally registered in Mr Thomas' name but the address on the registration document was of a businessman in Kochi, alleged Mr Vincent. The property, purchased in 2001, used to be in his name. The annual property statement filed by Mr Thomas in 2002 and 2003 contained  details of the property, but on both occasions he claimed it belonged to his wife. However, it was not included in the statement submitted in 2017, alleged Mr Vincent. There was also a report by the financial inspection wing on corruption during his tenure as ports director. The self- styled crusader against corruption had himself amassed disproportionate assets. Who would bring him to book, Mr Vincent asked. The Assembly was adjourned sine die on Thursday.