Real Estate Lobby behind Jacob Thomas' Transfer?

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:The transfer of Fire and Rescue Services director-general Jacob Thomas has stirred up a hornet’s nest following allegations that the officer’s unceremonious exit was at the behest of a real estate developer organisation.

The decision to swap the roles of DGP Jacob Thomas and Kerala Police Housing and Construction Corporation (KPHCC) managing director Anil Kant was taken by the Cabinet on Wednesday. Thomas, who took over as the Fire Brigade chief in May, had taken a strict stand against fire rule safety violations by apartment builders. A couple of projects in the state were reportedly denied NOC after Thomas directed the force to act tough.

Combined Decision

Sources said the transfer came after the officer refused to oblige to the directions by Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Urban Affairs Minister Manjalamkuzhi Ali to soften his stand. The two ministers reportedly told their Cabinet colleagues that the official’s transfer was inevitable for the survival of the construction sector.On Thursday, Thomas told mediapersons that he was unhappy over the transfer as he should now occupy the post held by a junior officer. On the reasons behind the transfer he said: “I stood for the safety of the public. I’m yet to get the order, will respond after receiving it.”Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan alleged that Thomas’ transfer was owing to the pressure from flat lobbies. “Several apartment complexes in the state, including those under construction, do not adhere to the fire safety precautions. The Home Minister and the Urban Affairs Minister were bribed by the flat lobbies,” he said.“The transfer may cost the lives of thousands of people in the state,” he added.   

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