Was not aware of raids at KM Abraham's flat, says Jacob Thomas

Kochi: Amid escalating tussle between a section of senior bureaucrats and Vigilance and Anti-corruption Bureau director Jacob Thomas, the latter has denied any role in the inspections held at the residence of additional chief secretary (finance) K.M. Abraham.

However, Jacob Thomas said being the head of the vigilance, he was ready to bear the responsibility of the action. The senior IPS officer was speaking at Nere Chovve, a chat show in Manorama News.

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"I was unaware of the examination at Abraham’s residence. Abraham is my friend and colleague, and I will try to clear the misconceptions, if any," Thomas said. He added that he called Abraham's wife as soon as he heard about the raid.

Thomas said the vigilance will introduce a five-phase examination - zero mistake strategy - to avoid faults during investigations.

On writing a letter to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressing willingness to quit the vigilance director's post, Thomas said he wanted to make it clear that he did not wish to hang on to the post if anybody had doubts about his credentials.