Covered face, head bowed: Former Kerala DGP Thachankary enters Poojappura jail as Prisoner No. 475

Thiruvananthapuram: Former Kerala DGP Tomin J. Thachankary covered his face with his hands as he entered Poojappura Central Jail on Thursday evening, shortly after being sentenced to four years in prison in a disproportionate assets case.

Thachankary, now Prisoner No. 475, was brought to the Thiruvananthapuram Central Jail at around 7.45 pm. As a security measure, police had closed the main entrance from the road to the jail premises, while media personnel were not allowed inside.

Thachankary was travelling in the middle row of a police jeep, flanked by two officers. He was wearing a mask and, as the vehicle approached the jail gate, bent down and covered his face with both hands.

Having undergone heart surgery, Thachankary was admitted to the jail's hospital block, where prisoners requiring medical care are housed. His status as a former senior police officer was also taken into consideration while deciding his accommodation, given the security concerns involved in housing him alongside other convicts.

No visible reaction after conviction

Thachankary showed little visible reaction throughout the day, from the start of the court proceedings to his arrival at the jail.

He reached the court in one car while his lawyer arrived separately. He entered the courtroom while avoiding the media.

After the court found him guilty, Thachankary spoke only about his health condition.

When the court adjourned in the morning, he remained inside as directed by the judge. He had a bun instead of lunch.

Even after the court pronounced the four-year sentence in the afternoon, there was no apparent change in his expression. After the judge left, Thachankary was seen using his mobile phone.

He later called media personnel closer but said he had no comment. He also asked them to leave, saying their presence would delay his departure.

Police took Thachankary to Thiruvananthapuram at around 3.30 pm. A medical examination was conducted in Changanassery during the journey before he was taken to Poojappura Central Jail.