CPI-M against removal of Vigilance Director Jacob Thomas

Thiruvananthapuram: The CPI-M has decided not to remove Jacob Thomas from the post of state Vigilance Director.

An available secretariat meet that held here on Wednesday decided to the decision against the request of the officer who urged to the Chief Minister in a letter to relieve him from the post after allegations of financial irregularities cropped up against him.

The CM had discussed the matter with party secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and General Secretary Sitaram Yechury beore taking the final call. Veteran leader V S Achuthanandan is also of the same opinion.

Meanwhile, Jacob Thomas is sticking to his stand that he should be relieved from the post.

Thomas wrote to the Chief Minister on Tuesday citing personal reasons for his move.

Earlier, the official had dismissed the allegations of financial irregularities against him in connection with a solar power project during his previous stint as the Ports Director. He had also alleged that some vested interests were behind the charges

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

The Finance Inspection Wing 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 had said.

Thomas had launched strong steps against former UDF ministers K M Mani and K Babu in the bar bribery cases.