Ex-Kerala DGP Sreelekha’s Prison Facilities Post Draws Attention After Thachankary Sentenced
Former DGP says she improved facilities at Thiruvananthapuram Central Jail’s hospital block; post comes days after ex-DGP Tomin Thachankary was sentenced to four years in prison
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM— A social media post by former Kerala Director General of Police R. Sreelekha about the facilities at the hospital block of Thiruvananthapuram Central Jail has drawn attention, coming shortly after former DGP Tomin J. Thachankary was sentenced to four years’ rigorous imprisonment in a disproportionate assets case.
Sreelekha, who became Kerala’s first woman DGP and is now a BJP councillor in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, wrote on Saturday that the hospital block at the Central Jail was much cleaner and better equipped than the regular prison cells.
She listed several facilities available there, including good beds, mattresses and pillows, fans, clean toilets, separate accommodation, a well-maintained garden and special food.
“I had improved all this when I was DGP of the Prisons Department. I am happy if someone is benefiting from it now,” she wrote.
Sreelekha did not name anyone in the post. However, its timing attracted attention because Thachankary is currently housed in the hospital block of the Central Jail following his conviction.
Many of those responding to the post interpreted the remarks as a pointed reference to her former senior colleague. The two officers had overlapping careers in the Kerala Police hierarchy.
Sreelekha retired from service in 2020, while Thachankary retired in 2023, also serving as a DGP-rank officer.
The timing of the post was particularly notable.
A Kottayam Vigilance Court on Thursday convicted Thachankary in a disproportionate assets case relating to the period from 2003 to 2007. He was sentenced to four years’ rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs. 30.84 lakh.
Thachankary, who has reported health problems, was subsequently lodged in the prison hospital block. His transfer to a regular cell will depend on medical advice, according to prison officials.
The former DGP’s post has therefore added an unusual footnote to a dramatic week in the careers of two former senior police officers — one recalling the improvements she made to a prison facility and the other now being housed there.
Thachankary’s bail plea is scheduled to come up before the Kerala High Court on Tuesday. (Source: IANS)
