Kerala Police Orders Case Against Ex-DGP Tomin J Thachankary Over Alleged Insignia Misuse
Thiruvananthapuram: In a rare and noteworthy action highlighting accountability within the पुलिस hierarchy, the Kerala Police has directed the registration of a case against former Director General of Police Tomin J Thachankary for allegedly misusing official insignia after retirement.
The directive was issued by the current state police chief Ravada Chandrasekhar, a 1991-batch IPS officer, following the findings of an official inquiry into the matter. The investigation, conducted by the Superintendent of Police, Kottayam, reportedly confirmed that the retired officer had been displaying the तीन-स्टार DGP insignia—commonly referred to as the “star board”—on a private vehicle, despite no longer being entitled to its use.
According to established norms, the three-star insignia is strictly reserved for serving officers holding the ranks of Director General of Police (DGP) or Additional Director General of Police (ADGP). Its unauthorized use, especially after retirement, is considered a violation of service rules as well as applicable legal provisions.
The controversy came to light after a formal complaint was filed by activist Kulathur Jaisingh, who sought action from both local police authorities and the state police chief. The issue gained further attention when visuals circulated in media reports allegedly showed Thachankary arriving at a vigilance court in Kottayam in a vehicle bearing the restricted insignia.
Acting on the complaint, the police chief had earlier ordered a preliminary inquiry. The findings of that probe confirmed multiple violations, including the continued use of official insignia on a private vehicle even after retirement. Based on these conclusions, instructions have now been issued to formally register a case under relevant legal provisions, which may also include traffic rule violations.
Officials have indicated that a more detailed investigation could follow to determine whether such misuse has been ongoing since the officer’s retirement in July 2023. The move is being interpreted as a strong message from the Kerala Police leadership emphasizing that official privileges cannot be retained or misused once an officer demits office.
The case also underscores the importance of institutional discipline and adherence to protocol, particularly among senior अधिकारियों who have held top positions in the force. By initiating action in this matter, authorities appear keen to reinforce the principle that accountability applies uniformly, irrespective of rank or past service.
About Tomin J. Thachankary
A 1987-batch IPS officer of the Kerala cadre, Thachankary retired as a DGP on July 31, 2023, after a career spanning over three decades. He held several prominent positions during his tenure, including Transport Commissioner, Managing Director of KSRTC, and roles in Consumerfed and the Kerala Books and Publications Society.
Known for his unconventional style, he often remained in the public eye, sometimes for controversies related to administrative decisions and conduct. Despite facing multiple allegations during his career, he was promoted to the DGP rank in 2020 and later served as Investigation Director General in the Human Rights Commission before retirement.
The current development adds another chapter to his eventful career, while also setting a precedent on the strict enforcement of rules governing official symbols and privileges.
