In a veiled reference to senior IPS officer Jacob Thomas, the Kerala chapter of IPS Association on Saturday, in a resolution, said the members in their public conduct should behave themselves in a manner that does not lower the ethos, dignity and esteem of the Indian Police Service. The association met in the wake of war of words between Thomas, an officer in the rank of DGP, and T P Senkumar, who is DGP, law and order. Besides, the exit of Vigilance director Vinson M Paul in the wake of adverse remarks against him from the court, that ordered for further probe into the bar bribery case, also came up for the consideration of the association. [related-post] Jacob Thomas, now managing director of Kerala Police Construction Corporation, had welcomed the verdict for further probe. Irked over Thomas' comments, Senkumar said Thomas was not eligible to comment on bar case. He had not been associated with the probe of that case. He would face disciplinary action if wrong things are stated, said Senkumar. Thomas retorted by saying that he didn't know the definition of discipline. "None has stated that I hadn't worked with the vigilance." Referring to the warning regarding disciplinary action, Thomas said "I understand that Senkumar is also an IPS officer." Thomas on Friday had appeared before the media with a black insulation tape. Holding it, he said he wanted to cover his mouth with that tape. "But, on seeing media persons, I changed my stand. You are asking me on behalf of the public. It is not bad to have voice and preventive vigilance," he said. Regarding the exit of Vinson M Paul, the association said it appreciated the principled stand by Paul, upholding the sublime values, the Indian Police Service stands for. He had discharged his duties upholding the highest standard of professional integrity irrespective of any appreciation or possible criticism, said the release from the association.
