Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has reinstated Director General of Police Jacob Thomas as managing director of the Kerala Steel & Metal Industries Corporation at Shornur. The officer has been under suspension for over two years for breaching service rules, by writing a book without obtaining prior permission and makingn comments against the state's handling of the Ockhi disaster. Prior to the suspension, Thomas had served as the director of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB).
It is unprecedented that an IPS officer is appointed at the helm of Shornur Metal Industries. Chief Minister signed the order to post him there, considered as low profile for an officer of DGP standing.
However, the disgruntled officer responded to the move saying that he has not learned to make metal and also said that he has not received any official communication yet.
In July, a Central Administrative Tribunal had ordered to reinstate Thomas. Following the order the officer had written to the government seeking a post commensurate with his rank and experience in the Police Department.