The Kerala High Court said it may order a medical examination to verify Tomin Thachankary’s ailments

Tomin J. Thachankary (file photo)

A medical examination may be required to verify former DGP Tomin Thachankary’s ailments as he did not spend a single day in a jail cell during his imprisonment in the disproportionate assets case, the Kerala High Court observed.

Justice A. Badharudeen on Thursday considered Thachankary’s request to vary his bail conditions so that he could travel abroad and resume his employment in the United Arab Emirates. “We need to know whether it was an illness or a conspiracy to avoid jail time,” the court said orally.

Anomaly in disputes

Thachankary asked for permission to withdraw his plea; however, the court noted that there was an anomaly in the objections raised by the petitioner and noted that the matter required serious consideration.

“How did a prisoner who was constantly receiving treatment in prison suddenly become healthy after being released on bail?” asked the court. “He (Thachankary) could visit the prison cell while serving as the police chief but not during his sentence,” the court said.

S. Rajeev, counsel for Thachankary, informed the court that the petitioner had breathing problems and was taken to the prison hospital to be put on a ventilator. In response, the court asked how Thachankary would survive the pressure fluctuations in flight.

The court emphasized that the rule of law must prevail and reserved orders in the plea.

Medical records

The Superintendent of Poojappura Central Jail had earlier produced Thachankary’s medical records. It was reported that Thachankary was admitted to the Central Jail on 17 September and remained in the jail hospital block continuously until his release on bail on 15 October.

Thachankary’s medical history showed that he suffered from coronary artery disease and underwent coronary artery bypass grafting in 2009. He also had a history of obstructive sleep apnea, was on continuous positive airway pressure ventilation for three years, and was being treated for psoriasis.

Published – 12 Nov 2026 22:12 IST