Director General of Police Jacob Thomas, currently the Director of the government’s Institute of Management, has been suspended for criticising the government.
The suspension order was issued on Tuesday as per the directions of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Chief Minister’s Office told TNM that the officer was suspended for taking a dig at the government.
It was reportedly felt that his comments would cause the general public to disrespect the government.
"I won't be silenced. There is a trend to silence those who speak against corruption. I haven't received any official intimation regarding the suspension," Jacob Thomas told media.
On December 9, at a function held in Thiruvananthapuram, Jacob said that there is a total absence of law and order in the state.
He also slammed the government’s response to Cyclone Ockhi and accused the chief minister of not reacting properly to the crisis.
Chief Minister Vijayan had faced the ire of the fishing community during his visit to Vizhinjam – one of the worst affected villages in Thiruvananthapuram.
Jacob alleged that the corrupt are united in the state and enjoy power together, alienating those who speak out against them.
In November, Vijayan had directed state police chief Loknath Behera to register a criminal case against Jacob for violating service rules – he had purportedly not followed due process when he released two books recently.
However, it was decided that only department-level action would be taken against him.
Jacob has been critical of the government ever since he was removed as the Director of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption in March.