THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Director of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) Jacob Thomas on Monday alleged he was being targeted by vested interests that sought his removal from the anti-corruption wing.
Thomas, who is facing charges from Kerala Public Expenditure and Review Committee (KPERC) for allegedly committing irregularities in installing solar panels in Ports Department offices in the state when he was Ports Director, made the comments in the backdrop of news reports that the KPERC had recommended initiation of departmental proceedings against him. The KPERC said Thomas’ actions set the exchequer back by about `52 lakh.
“I will not run no matter what is written against me in the media. I will continue in my position as strongly as before because I did not do anything wrong,” he said, while speaking to the new batch of students of Institute of Journalism at Press Club. Thomas said he had tried revive the ailing Ports Department, as it did not even have a main office at Valiyathura when he assumed office as Ports Director. “In order to make the department self-reliant, I entered into an agreement with a private firm to install 15 solar panels at the 15 port offices in the state. But, the project never took off, as I was soon shifted from the position,” he added.
A March 9 report from the finance inspection wing of the Finance Department had found that the solar projects Thomas initiated were dysfunctional. It added that the Ports Department allegedly spent `5.84 crore even though the Directorate of Ports estimated the cost to be `2.10 crore. However, the case was not followed-up since the LDF government came into power.
Nepotism row: Surendran’s statements recorded
Meanwhile, the Vigilance Unit-II, led by Vigilance DySP V Shyamkumar, recorded the statements of BJP leader K Surendran in connection with the allegations he raised against LDF ministers over nepotism row. Surendran had written to Thomas alleging that LDF ministers were making back door appointments.
The charge
Thomas is facing charges from KPERC for allegedly committing irregularities in installing solar panels in Ports Department offices in the state when he was Ports Director.
Finance wing report
A March 9 report from the finance inspection wing of the Finance Department had found that the solar projects Thomas initiated were dysfunctional.
I52L Loss alleged
The Kerala Public Expenditure and Review Committee (KPERC) report said that Jacob Thomas’ actions set the exchequer back by about I52 lakh