Prisoner C-475 evades floor bed, Thachankary shifted to jail hospital block

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former DGP Tomin Thachankary, convicted in a disproportionate assets case, is being housed in the hospital block of Poojappura Central Jail. Thachankary, prisoner number C-475, developed uneasiness and was shifted to the jail’s hospital block. The special feature here is that he has access to a cot, but has to wear the prison uniform, a white mundu and a shirt.

His food menu will be decided according to the directions of the doctors. Thachankary has heart related health issues and so will be shifted to the cell only on the advice of doctors. If moved to the cell, he will have to sleep on the floor along with other prisoners. Since he was a senior police officer, the possibility of other inmates causing him harm may also be taken into consideration. A decision on this may be taken later, taking into account his health and security.

After an examination by the jail doctor, if he requires specialized treatment, he may be shifted to the General Hospital or Medical College Hospital. However, such action will be taken only after informing the court.

Thachankary was sentenced to four years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 30.84 lakh in the disproportionate assets case. The verdict was delivered by K V Rajaneesh, special judge of the vigilance court in Kottayam. If he fails to pay the fine, he will have to undergo an additional two months in prison.

63-year-old Thachankary is the first officer of DGP rank in the state to be convicted in a corruption case. The vigilance report alleged that, while serving as IG, he amassed assets 135 percent in excess of his known income between January 1, 2003, and July 7, 2007. The case was based on a complaint filed by Bobby Kuruvila of Karivelithara, Mithrakari, Alappuzha.