The Kerala government has decided to appoint DGP Nirmal Chandra Asthana as the new director of the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau. A decision has been taken in this regard, sources at the office of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said today. Asthana, a 1986 batch IPS officer, is now on Central deputation. He has co-authored several books including one on internal security. DGP (Law and Order) Loknath Behra was holding additional charge as vigilance director after Jacob Thomas was transferred from the post in March last year. Asthana's appointment comes against the background of a report based on an RTI document that the state government appointed Behra as vigilance director without seeking permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
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