Thiruvananthapuram: In an unusual development, the Kerala Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar, a 1991 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Kerala cadre, has directed officials to register a case against former Director General of Police Tomin J Thachankary, an ex-IPS of 1987 batch, for allegedly misusing official insignia after retirement.
The directive came after an inquiry found that the retired officer had been using a DGP three-star insignia (star board) on a private vehicle—an entitlement reserved only for serving officers of DGP and ADGP rank.
Probe Confirms Rule Violation
The action follows an investigation conducted by the Superintendent of Police, Kottayam, which was ordered earlier by the state police chief.
The probe reportedly confirmed that:
- The insignia was displayed on a private vehicle
- The usage continued despite retirement
- The act amounted to a violation of prescribed rules
Based on these findings, the DGP instructed the SP to formally register a case.
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Complaint Triggered Action
The controversy began after a complaint was filed by activist Kulathur Jaisingh, who approached both the local police station and the state police chief seeking an inquiry.
The complaint alleged that a retired officer was improperly using official insignia reserved for senior serving police officials.
The issue gained traction after visuals—reportedly aired by media outlets—showed Thachankary arriving at the Vigilance Court in Kottayam in a vehicle bearing the three-star insignia.
Case to Be Registered, Wider Probe Likely
Following the inquiry report, the Kerala Police Chief has now:
- Ordered registration of a case under relevant provisions
- Directed action for misuse of official insignia and possible traffic violations
Officials indicated that a detailed investigation may also be conducted to determine whether such use of insignia has continued over the past three years since retirement.
Rules on Official Insignia
The three-star DGP insignia is strictly designated for officers currently serving in top police ranks. Unauthorized use is considered a violation of service and legal norms, especially when used on private vehicles.
Significance of the Action
The move is being seen as a strong signal from the Kerala Police leadership on:
- Maintaining discipline and protocol
- Preventing misuse of official privileges post-retirement
- Ensuring accountability even among senior officers
About Tomin J. Thachankary
Ex-IPS Thachankary is a 1987 batch Kerala cadre Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who retired as a Director General of Police (DGP) on July 31, 2023, after a 36-year career. Born in Kalayanthani village of Idukki district, he served in several key positions including Police Chief of various districts, Managing Director of KSRTC, Consumerfed, and Kerala Books and Publications Society, as well as Transport Commissioner. Known for his unique style, Thachankary sang a song during his farewell parade, drawing inspiration from the epic character Karna to reflect on his turbulent career.
Throughout his tenure, he was a frequently debated figure, often in the news for allegations of misconduct, including foreign visits without proper sanction, which led to multiple suspensions and vigilance inquiries. Despite these controversies and missing out on heading the state police force, he was promoted to DGP rank in 2020 and served as the Investigation Director General of the Human Rights Commission before retirement. After retiring, he planned to produce films under his company, Ryan Studios, and turn his experiences into screenplays
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