Former state DGP Tomin J Thachankary was sent to Thiruvananthapuram central prison after the court proceedings
The prosecution case was that Thachankary, while serving as IG of Police from Jan 1, 2003, to July 4, 2007, acquired assets and pecuniary resources worth Rs 64,70,891 that he could not satisfactorily account for. The case was registered on July 4, 2007, based on an order issued by the vigilance director. During the final hearing, Thachankary sought maximum leniency, citing his health issues and the death of his wife. Public prosecutor K K Sreekanth, however, argued that he deserved the maximum sentence prescribed by law and a heavy fine. The magnitude of the disproportion and the position held by the convict warranted a sentence with a deterrent effect, he submitted.
The disproportion of Rs 30,84,892.39, constituting 52.33% of his known income, was neither marginal nor insignificant, the court said. It represented unexplained enrichment accumulated during the check period from 2003 to 2007, when the amount had substantial value.
The higher the public office held, the greater the obligation to maintain the highest standards of integrity and probity, it said. The court observed that Thachankary was a senior IPS officer who held several responsible positions, including that of DGP.
Special Judge (Vigilance) K V Rejanish also imposed a fine of Rs 30,84,892 on Thachankary. He was found guilty under Section 13(2), read with Section 13(1)(e), of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and convicted under Section 271(2) of the BNSS. He was sent to Thiruvananthapuram central prison after the court proceedings. In default of payment of the fine, he will undergo an additional two months’ rigorous imprisonment.
Kottayam: The Court of the Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge (Vigilance) here on Thursday sentenced former state DGP Tomin J Thachankary to four years’ rigorous imprisonment in a disproportionate assets case.