My suspension warning to non-corrupt officers, says suspended Kerala DGP

Thiruvananthapuram: DGP Jacob Thomas, the senior-most IPS officer in Kerala who was recently suspended for criticising the state government, on Sunday said the action was in "retaliation" of his anti-corruption stand and a "warning" to all public servants who stood against corruption.

Besides the suspension, Thomas was also served with two memos this month by the CPI(M)-led LDF government, citing service rule violations in two books penned by him.

One among them is his bare-all autobiography 'Sravukalkkoppam Neenthumpol' (Swimming Along With Sharks).

The top cop had triggered a row by initiating a probe against high-profile persons, including ministers, politicians and bureaucrats during his tenure as vigilance chief.

He said he would continue to raise his voice against corruption but rejected rumours that he would enter politics.

"My suspension is a warning to all potential public servants who act against corruption.The message to them (from the government) is very clear...you should tide with corruption," Jacob Thomas said.

"Those who are in power can retaliate against officers in various ways. Suspension is one of such means. But I will continue to blow the whistle on corruption," he said.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had last week issued directions for suspension of the officer as the head of the Institute of Management (IMG) in Government under relevant sections of the All India Service Rules as some of his recent remarks had shown the state government in poor light.