THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan opting to stay away, former Vigilance director Jacob Thomas on Monday called off the launch of his ‘tell-all’ service story - Sravukalku Oppam Neenthumbol (Swimming with Sharks). Thomas also cited some intelligence reports about the possible protest by Congress workers during the function.
As per the plan, Pinarayi was scheduled to release the book at the Press Club Hall at 5 pm. The first copy of the book was to be received by V Govindaraj, Edamalakkudy panchayat president. The Chief Minister backed out citing legal issues. “I have received legal advice in this regard.
I have also got a complaint from an MLA. So, I decided not to attend the event,” he told reporters. Pinarayi sought legal advice after receiving complaints against the book from various quarters, including one from K C Joseph MLA who said the book release function was a violation of the Officials Secrets Act. He also alleged Thomas wrote the book without getting the government’s permission.
There were also reports about stiff opposition from IAS-IPS officers prompting the CM to stay away from the book launch. In his 250-page book, Thomas reportedly criticised former CM Oommen Chandy and other ministers in the previous UDF Government while heaping praises on Pinarayi.
Book ‘released’@restaurant
After CM skipped the official launch, Jacob Thomas released his book at Khasak, a restaurant in Jawahar Nagar, Kowdiar. He handed over a copy to Edamalakkudy panchayat president V Govinda Raj.
“It was an unofficial meet-up. The panchayat president came here from Idukki. I’d invited him to the function. Hence, it’s my responsibility to meet him even though the event was cancelled. It was not a function,” said Thomas.