Kerala seeks probe by central agency in IGP’s ‘terror links’

NEW DELHI: The Kerala government has sought a central probe into the alleged meetings of state police IGP Tomin J Thachankary with Indian terror fugitives in Qatar, including possible aides of arrested LeT kingpin Thadiyantavide Nazeer, during a trip to the Gulf early this year. The investigation by a central agency was sought by the V S Achuthanandan government after the MHA brought Thachankary’s alleged terror dealings to its notice through a letter dated May 21.

The communication, addressed to the state chief secretary, stated that the IGP had contacted the Indian embassy in Qatar soon after Nazeer’s arrest, seeking information regarding some Indian residents of the Gulf country.
An MEA inquiry also found out that Thachankary had travelled to Qatar early this year without the requisite clearances from the Government of India and called on the Indian ambassador in Qatar without any prior intimation . When the ambassador asked if his visit had the GoI’s approval, Thachankary quickly replied that it was not possible for a police officer to take permission from the Centre every time they travelled abroad to track criminal cases with foreign linkages.

The ambassador also told the MEA that the IGP spoke in “rather vague” terms about fugitives from Kerala residing in Qatar and said he was hopeful of persuading them to return to the state to face charges. This included Manoj, who is accused of cyber crime for allegedly circulating pictures of CPM leader Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence on the internet. Thachankary also stressed that he was on the lookout for Nazeer’s associates holed up in Qatar.

The MEA also reported that members of the Indian community in Qatar had told the ambassador that Thachankary, during his trip, also met several “wanted” fugitives from Kerala and offered them a safe return to India, allegedly for a “consideration.”

Underlining the seriousness of the terror charges against Thachankary, the MHA asked the state government to take “appropriate action” against the IGP, an IPS officer of 1978 cadre, for violating the All India Services (Conduct) Rules and intimate the MHA of the same. The Kerala government on Wednesday confirmed the receipt of communication from the MHA seeking action against Thachankary. However, considering the foreign ramifications of the impending probe against Thachankary, the state government is now insisting upon a Central agency conducting the inquiry into the IGP’s dealings during his visit to Qatar earlier this year.