THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Monday that Crime Branch would probe into Vigilance Director Jacob Thomas’ complaint that his phone/email communications were hacked.
Pinarayi was replying to the Opposition’s notice for an adjournment motion on the issue. “Tapping phone conversations of politicians and officials is not part of this government’s policy. Jacob Thomas has full backing of the government and will not take any action that will hamper the freedom of Vigilance,” he said. “In his letter, Thomas did not make any charge but pointed out a newspaper report which said his phone and email were leaked,” he said.
Pinarayi said Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act allows state to monitor communication of individuals in case of public emergency or public safety. “But it requires permission from the Home Secretary and in this case the Secretary did not receive any such request,” he said. The Opposition said the complaint came after the Vigilance started a probe against former Industries Minister E P Jayarajan. “This points towards the government’s involvement in the act,” said Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala.
“The hacking will not take place without the knowledge of Intelligence ADGP and Home Secretary. If the Home Secretary was aware of it, the government cannot claim ignorance.
If the complaint is false, it shows Thomas has some fear psychosis,” Chennithala said. Pinarayi said Jacob Thomas had not given any letter expressing his desire to quit the post. “He expressed such a desire to some others, including the media. But the government wants him to continue in the post,” he said. “” he said.