VS Achuthanandan sees plot to dump Vigilance chief Jacob Thomas

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Veteran leader V.S. Achuthanandan on Thursday alleged that there was a dubious move  from certain quarters against Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau (VACB) director Jacob Thomas to delay investigations into corruption cases. Mr Achuthanandan said Mr Jacob Thomas’ contention that some top officials were clandestinely operating against him seemed to be correct. “There is a clear attempt to prevent him from discharging his duties as the vigilance head and continue with the investigations into crucial cases,” he said.

The Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) chairman said dark forces were not letting him work in the department and were hell-bent on seeking his removal. He reminded that former finance minister K.M. Mani and former excise minister K. Babu were keen to see Mr Thomas’ ouster from the department for obvious reasons.

Mr Achuthanandan came out strongly in favour of Jacob Thomas. “He is an honest and upright officer. In fact he is the pride of our police service. All corrupt people have ganged up against him and they have unleashed a false propaganda. These are the forces which are working against him. But their attempts will not succeed. It should not succeed,” he said.