'You fall ill when sent to jail but want to go and work abroad after release'; High Court lashes out at Tomin Thachankary

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has lashed out at former DGP Tomin J Thachankary, who approached the court seeking relaxation of his bail conditions to travel abroad for work. The court questioned how a person who had cited health problems and stayed in hospital after being convicted could now seek permission to work abroad.

"You fall ill when you have to go to jail, but once you are out, you want to go abroad and work. Thachankary should remember that people sitting in the court also have intelligence," Justice Badharudeen said. The court also sought details of Thachankary's medical treatment. The petition will be considered again on Friday.

The Vigilance Court had found that Thachankary amassed assets worth Rs 30.84 lakh disproportionate to his known sources of income during his tenure in office between 2003 and 2007. He was sent to jail on September 18. The High Court later suspended his sentence and granted him bail. The key bail conditions included executing a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh and furnishing two sureties for an equal amount.

While granting bail, Justice A Badharudeen had observed that there was no error in the Kottayam Vigilance Court's finding that Thachankary had amassed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. The court suspended the sentence considering that the jail term was limited to four years. The High Court had also directed him to deposit 75 per cent of the fine of Rs 30.84 lakh imposed by the Vigilance Court. It had further made it clear that he would need specific permission from the High Court to travel abroad.