In a significant ruling, a vigilance court in Kerala has sentenced the former Director General of Police (DGP), Tomin J Thachankary, to four years in prison for accumulating assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. The judgment was delivered by Kottayam Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge (Vigilance), KV Rajaneesh, on Thursday, marking a crucial development in the state’s anti-corruption efforts.
The court found Thachankary guilty under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and imposed a fine of ₹30 lakhs. This case was initiated following a complaint by Bobby Kuruvila, an individual committed to anti-corruption causes, who alleged that Thachankary had acquired substantial properties, including houses and flats, that exceeded his legitimate income.
The investigation revealed that between 2003 and 2007, Thachankary amassed assets valued over ₹64 lakhs, which was calculated to be 135.80% more than his known income during the period. Despite his assertions that these assets were obtained through familial inheritance and gifts, Thachankary’s plea for discharge was rejected by the court.
In 2021, the Kerala State government authorized a further probe by a specialized unit of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB). However, Bobby Kuruvila contested this move in the Kerala High Court, alleging it was a tactic to prolong the trial. The High Court, upon reviewing the case in August 2025, annulled the government’s order for additional investigation and mandated a swift conclusion of the trial, which culminated in the recent verdict.
Thachankary was represented in court by advocates VN Anilkumar and Cimil C Kottalil. This verdict underscores the judiciary’s commitment to addressing corruption and ensuring public officials are held accountable for their actions.
