'Hunted' by top Babus, Kerala Vigilance Chief seeks whistle blower cover

In an unprecedented move, Chief of Kerala State Vigilance and Anti-corruption Burea (VACB) Jacob Thomas, top IPS officer known for his anti-corruption crusades, has approached the government seeking whistleblower status. The officer sought cover under the Whistleblower Protection Act after he came under criticism from some sections of top bureaucrats and politicians in the state following a  crack down on the corrupt.  

In a letter submitted to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Chief Secretary SM Vijayanand, Thomas requested them to recommend to the Central Government to give him protection under the act that offers support to whistleblowers from victimisation. It is widely believed that Thomas is opening another war front against the bureaucratic lobby that is 'waging a secret war'  against him. 

Thomas had invited overt and covert criticism from top babus after the VACB raided houses of Additional Chief Secretary Tom Jose in connection with disproportionate assets case. The VACB also filed a FIR against him. The anti-corruption watchdog found itself in the line of fire for 'raiding' the residence of senior bureaucrat K M Abraham.

Following criticism from various quarters, including the Opposition, Thomas had offered to resign last month. But Chief Minister rejected his resignation and offered full support to the IPS officer. 

• Jacob Thomas
• Kerala Vigilance Chief
• crackdown on corrupti