Vigilance Director dismisses allegations

Thiruvananthapuram: Vigilance Director Jacob Thomas Monday dismissed allegations of financial irregularities against him in connection with a solar power project during his previous capacity as Ports Director, and said some vested interests were behind the charges.

Thomas was referring to recent reports that the Finance Inspection Wing (FIW) of the state government had recommended departmental action against him earlier this year for alleged irregularities in setting up solar units at various ports department offices during 2013-14.

The FIW report, prepared during the time of previous Congress-led UDF government, is now pending before the LDF government for further action.

"Some vested interests are behind the allegations. The old FIW report, presented to the government months ago, is being projected as a new one. There is some special interest behind raising the issue now," he said at a function to welcome the new batch of journalism students at Press Club here.

The official said those who indulged in corruption were making all efforts to oust him from the post of Vigilance Director.

He also said the VACB receives around 500 complaints daily against alleged corruption in various government departments.