Kerala: Fire service chief Jacob Thomas, who took on builder lobby, removed

Chandy also said the decision to remove Thomas was a collective one. “It is unfair to blame Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Urban Affairs Minister M Ali for Thomas’s removal. I take responsibility for the action against Thomas,’’ he said.

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There had been several complaints against Thomas, a DGP-rank officer, Chandy said. As examples of lapses, Chandy pointed out that the fire service did not rush a woman to hospital when she was lying unconscious at the railway station in Kannur. When a fallen tree had blocked a road and stalled traffic, the force did not respond to police calls on the ground that it was not their duty to remove the tree.

The fire service had adopted this line based on a circular issued by Thomas, Chandy said. His actions had thus put the government in the firing line, and such an officer could not be allowed to continue.

The CM added that Thomas had denied NOC for several flats as they did not have a sky lift.

Thomas had locked horns with the powerful builders’ lobby over safety standards at highrises and shopping malls. Since he was appointed Commandant of Fire and Rescue Services in June this year, Thomas had attempted to strictly implement safety regulations for highrises, stone quarrying units which keep explosives and houseboats in the backwaters. During his short term, the fire and rescue department had rejected around 50 applications for NOC from builders.

Thomas, who is one leave, had said Thursday that he was removed for implementing the law. “I have acted only for public safety. I will not take up the post at Kerala Police Construction Corporation, which was held by a junior officer,’’ he said.

On Friday, Sudheeran openly expressed his displeasure over removing Jacob and said, “The government should not take controversial decisions. Everyone should remain vigilant.”