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Jacob Thomas, IPS: Profile, Bio, Wife, RSS and Family



Early Life, Education & Background

Jacob Thomas was born on 15 May 1960 in Teekoy, a village in Kottayam district, Kerala. (Wikipedia) He hails from an agricultural family and spent his formative years in rural Kerala, which shaped his outlook on governance, public service, and equity. (Kochi Post)

His schooling took place at St. Mary’s High School, Teekoy. (Wikipedia) He then joined St. George’s College, Aruvithura for his pre-degree, and went on to study BSc (Agriculture) at Kerala Agricultural University. (Wikipedia)

Deepening his academic credentials, Jacob Thomas later pursued postgraduate and doctoral studies at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, earning a PhD in Agronomy and further expanding his scope by acquiring a second PhD in Human Resources Development. (Wikipedia) He also holds a postgraduate diploma in Environment and Sustainable Development. (Wikipedia)

In 1984, he cleared the Civil Services Examination, and he entered the Indian Police Service (IPS) in the 1985 batch (Kerala cadre). (Wikipedia)

On a personal front, he is married to Daisy Jacob. (Wikipedia)

Career Trajectory: Key Posts, Challenges & Achievements

Jacob Thomas's career spanned over 34 years in service (until his retirement in May 2020). (Wikipedia) Below is a chronological sketch of his major postings and contributions:

Early Police and Administrative Roles

  • After joining the IPS, Thomas began as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) with initial postings in Thodupuzha and Kasaragod. (Wikipedia)

  • In 1989, he was promoted to Superintendent of Police (SP) in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). (Wikipedia)

  • In 1991, he was assigned to head the Plantation Corporation of Kerala Ltd as Managing Director. (Wikipedia)

  • In 1993, he became Managing Director of Horticorp (Kerala State Horticulture Products Development Corporation). (Wikipedia)

  • In 1997, he rejoined active policing as Commissioner of Police, Kochi. (Wikipedia)

  • Soon after, he held the post of Deputy Inspector General (DIG), CID, though his tenure was short because he was transferred to head the Kerala Women’s Commission around 1998. (Wikipedia)

  • He remained Director of Women’s Commission for nearly five years (until about 2003). (Wikipedia)

  • Around 2003, he moved into the Motor Vehicles Department, becoming Joint Transport Commissioner, and also had roles in the Kerala State Human Rights Commission and Kerala State Council for Science, Technology & Environment. (Wikipedia)

  • By 2004, he held multiple administrative positions: Chairman & Managing Director of Kerala Civil Supplies Corporation, member of the board of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation and Kerala Transport Development Finance Corporation. (Wikipedia)

  • Between 2010 and onwards, he also served as Managing Director of Kerala Shipping & Inland Navigation Corporation, and as Director of Ports at different times. (Wikipedia)

Police Leadership & Vigilance Roles

  • In 2014, he attained the post of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP). (Wikipedia)

  • Following that, he became Director, Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB), first in 2015. (Wikipedia)

  • He was also appointed Director General of Fire and Rescue Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards, and Chairman & MD of Kerala Police Housing & Construction Corporation. (Wikipedia)

  • In 2017, he was made Director of the Institute of Management in Government (IMG), which is Kerala’s apex training institution for governance. (Wikipedia)

Suspensions, Reinstatement & Final Years

  • In December 2017, Thomas was placed under suspension by the Kerala Government. (Swarajya)

  • A key reason was his public criticism of the handling of Cyclone Ockhi, where he had criticized the state’s rescue operations and questioned transparency. (The Indian Express)

  • He was reinstated after legal battles, and later in 2019 he was reappointed as Managing Director, Metal Industries Limited (Shoranur), a Kerala PSU. (The New Indian Express)

  • His suspension was challenged in the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), which struck down some suspension orders, leading to reinstatement. (Indian Kanoon)

  • He retired on 31 May 2020, serving his last post in the Kerala Metal Industries. (Wikipedia)

During his career, Jacob Thomas gained both fans and critics. He earned a reputation as a “rebel cop”, outspoken, unwilling to compromise in the face of alleged corruption and political interference. (The News Minute)

Awards, Publications & Other Contributions

Honors & Recognition

  • Thomas received the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2016. (Wikipedia)

  • In 2015, he was chosen as “Newsmaker of the Year” by Malayala Manorama. (Wikipedia)

  • During his police training at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad, he was captain of the athletics team and selected as the best probationer. (Wikipedia)

Writing, Research & NGOs

  • Thomas is a prolific writer and commentator. He has authored several books including:

    • Strategic Management (textbook) (Wikipedia)

    • Environmental Management (Wikipedia)

    • Kaaryavum Kaaranavum, a memoir reflecting on decisions and motivations during his service life (in Malayalam) (Wikipedia)

    • Sraavukalkoppam Neenthumpol (“Swimming with Sharks”), an autobiographical account. (Wikipedia)

  • He has been associated with NGOs and development platforms such as Top Centre, Darshan, ExcelKerala and worked with international agencies like UNICEF, UNDP, Ford Foundation, UK’s DFID. (Wikipedia)

  • Through his public speaking and writing, he has engaged in governance debates, anticorruption advocacy, and capacity building in administration. (The News Minute)

Controversies & Legal Challenges

While Jacob Thomas has been lauded by some for his unapologetic stances, his career has also been mired in multiple controversies, suspensions, investigations, and allegations of misconduct. Below are some of the key contentious issues:

Autobiography & Disciplinary Action

  • In 2017–2018, Thomas published his autobiography Sravukalkoppam Neenthumpol while still in service. The state government claimed this violated service rules, as he had not obtained prior sanction. (Onmanorama)

  • The General Administration Department filed a complaint, and the Crime Branch registered a criminal case alleging he disclosed official secrets. (The New Indian Express)

  • The state threatened termination on grounds of disciplinary breach. (Onmanorama)

  • In defense, Thomas argued that similar memoirs had been written by officers in other states without similar consequences. (The New Indian Express)

Suspension over Criticism (Cyclone Ockhi)

  • In late 2017, Thomas publicly criticized the government’s rescue efforts during Cyclone Ockhi, including remarks on lost lives and governmental accountability. (The Indian Express)

  • The Kerala government considered the remarks provocative and ordered his suspension, citing possible disturbance to public order. (The Indian Express)

Alleged Undisclosed Assets & Benami Land

  • Several complaints were lodged accusing Thomas of acquiring large tracts of land/property that were not disclosed in his asset declarations. (Wikipedia)

  • One allegation centered on 50 acres in Tamil Nadu held in the name of nominees. (Wikipedia)

  • In Karnataka’s Kodagu district, it was alleged that 151 acres of forest land were held in his wife’s name through encroachment. (Wikipedia)

  • In January 2020, the Kerala Crime Branch was asked to probe benami property transactions including those against Thomas. (The News Minute)

Dredger Procurement Case & Supreme Court Order

  • While serving as Director of Ports (2009–2014), Thomas was implicated in a dredger procurement scandal. The allegation: acceptance of a tender (IHC Merwede, Netherlands) without technical committee approval and without revised sanction. (Onmanorama)

  • The Kerala High Court had quashed the FIR, saying decision was collective and individual culpability could not be singled out. (Onmanorama)

  • But in August 2023, the Supreme Court stayed the HC order and directed the VACB to reinstate the investigation within two months, while restraining arrest for Thomas during that period. (Onmanorama)

Demotion from DGP

  • In January 2020, the Kerala state government moved to demote Thomas from DGP back to ADGP. (Onmanorama)

  • This demotion was widely seen as politically motivated, considering his history of clashes with state leadership. (Swarajya)

Asset Disclosure & Political Entry

  • When Thomas contested the 2021 Kerala Assembly elections (as a BJP candidate from Irinjalakuda), his election affidavit declared assets worth over ₹42 crores. (MyNeta)

  • His asset declarations, combined with the previous allegations, stirred debate about wealth accumulation by public servants. (Wikipedia)

Political Shift: Joining BJP & Electoral Foray

After retiring in 2020, Jacob Thomas formally joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on 4 February 2021. (Deccan Herald) Over the years, there had been speculation and pressure (including from RSS quarters) pushing for his induction. (The Week)

In the 2021 Kerala Assembly elections, he was fielded from Irinjalakuda constituency (Thrissur district) on the BJP ticket. (MyNeta) His poll affidavit showed three pending criminal cases and the sizable asset base as noted earlier. (MyNeta)

While he gained media attention, his electoral outcome was not victorious. His role in Kerala politics continues to be watched, particularly in how his law-and-order persona translates into political influence.

Recent Developments & Current Status

  • The Supreme Court’s 2023 order reviving the dredger procurement case remains a key legal challenge for Thomas. (Onmanorama)

  • With legal proceedings underway, his status is under scrutiny, though he enjoys temporary protection from arrest as per the court order. (Onmanorama)

  • On social media (X/Twitter), he maintains an active presence, commenting on governance, public policy, and controversies. (X (formerly Twitter))

  • His move from policing to politics is part of a larger trend of retired bureaucrats or security officers entering electoral politics, leveraging their public image of integrity and discipline.

  • Whether he will mount further political challenge or institutional role in Kerala remains to be seen.

Top Interesting Facts about Jacob Thomas

  1. Dual Doctorates – He holds two PhDs (Agronomy and Human Resources Development), a rare academic breadth for a career police officer. (Wikipedia)

  2. Best Probationer at Police Academy – At SVPNPA, he was awarded best probationer and was captain of the athletics team. (Wikipedia)

  3. Frequent Transfers – During his career, he was reportedly transferred over 30 times, reflecting the friction between his style and political authorities. (Swarajya)

  4. Autobiography Controversy – His book Sravukalkoppam Neenthumpol (Swimming with Sharks) stirred both admiration and official ire for its candid disclosures. (Onmanorama)

  5. Sleeps in Office on Last Day – On his retirement day, he reportedly slept on the office floor; a symbolic act showing disdain for pomp. (Wikipedia)

  6. Richest Kerala Cop? – At the time of his election bid, his declared assets (₹42+ crores) made him one of the wealthiest ex-IPS officers in Kerala. (MyNeta)

  7. Used Administrative Posts – Beyond policing, Thomas held many administrative and quasi-governmental positions (ports, transport, civil supplies), giving him a diverse bureaucratic experience. (Wikipedia)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When did Jacob Thomas retire from the IPS?
A. He retired on 31 May 2020 while serving as Managing Director of Metal Industries Limited, Shoranur. (Wikipedia)

Q2. Why was he suspended during his service?
A. He faced suspension in December 2017 for criticizing the government’s handling of Cyclone Ockhi, and again in 2018 over his autobiography published without prior permission. (The Indian Express)

Q3. What is the dredger procurement case involving him?
A. The allegation is that, when he was Director of Ports, he processed acceptance of a dredger tender (IHC Merwede) without proper approvals. The FIR was quashed by Kerala HC, but in 2023 SC reinstated the investigation. (Onmanorama)

Q4. Has he entered politics?
A. Yes. After retirement, Jacob Thomas joined BJP in February 2021 and contested in the 2021 Kerala Assembly elections from Irinjalakuda constituency. (Deccan Herald)

Q5. What are his declared assets?
A. In his 2021 election affidavit, he declared assets of approx ₹42,10,71,704 (₹42+ crores). (MyNeta)

Q6. Is he facing criminal proceedings now?
A. The main pending legal challenge is the dredger procurement case, which the Supreme Court has ordered to proceed, staying Kerala HC’s quashing of the FIR. (Onmanorama)

Q7. Why was he demoted from DGP rank?
A. In January 2020, Kerala govt demoted him from DGP to ADGP. Many view this as politically motivated, given his adversarial stance to state leadership. (Onmanorama)

Q8. What books has he written?
A. Some of his notable works include Strategic Management, Environmental Management, Kaaryavum Kaaranavum, Sravukalkoppam Neenthumpol. (Wikipedia)

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