Kottayam (Kerala) | Former DGP Tomin J Thachankary was fined Rs 250 by the Motor Vehicles Department for allegedly using an official insignia on his car after retirement, official sources said on Wednesday.

The action was taken by the enforcement wing of the department following no directions from the Transport Commissioner, they said.

The incident came to the media's attention when Thachankary arrived at a court here recently in connection with a vigilance case, during which an official emblem was found displayed near the number plate of the vehicle.

On being pointed out, attempts were made to remove the board from the vehicle, and it was quickly moved from the spot, television channels reports added.

Thachankary has paid the fine, sources said.

Motor Vehicle department sources said the ex-DGP claimed that it was a lapse on the part of the driver and that he had not travelled with any 'three-star' board displayed on the car.

Thachankary, who held the rank of Director General of Police in Kerala Police, retired from service three years ago.