Dredger scam: Setback for Jacob Thomas, probe can continue, says Supreme Court

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has ordered an inquiry into the dredger scam case against former DGP Jacob Thomas. The apex court stayed the High Court verdict quashing the case involving Jacob Thomas. It also directed the Vigilance to complete the probe within two months.

Meanwhile, the court clarified that permission was given only to complete the probe and that Jacob Thomas should not be arrested. The court directed the Vigilance to investigate the role of everyone involved in the deal.

It was the Kerala government that approached the Supreme Court against the High Court verdict quashing the investigation into the dredger scam. In its appeal, the government alleged that many facts regarding the purchase of a dredger from a Holland-based company were concealed from the government. In 2019, Vigilance registered a case against Jacob Thomas alleging irregularities in the import of dredgers while he was serving as the Director of the Port Department. Later, the High Court quashed the investigation.

The High Court quashed the case stating that the case solely in the name of Jacob Thomas would not stand as the purchase was made on the collective decision made by the Department Purchase Committee that included representatives of the government.