CPI(M) Expresses Concerns Over CBI Investigation as Truth Emerges: Kerala LoP Comments on ADM Suicide Incident

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 28 (NationPress) Following the statements made by Kerala CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan on Thursday, who emphasized that there was no necessity for a CBI investigation into the ‘death’ of Kannur Additional District Magistrate Naveen Babu, discovered hanging in his official residence, Leader of Opposition (LoP) V.D. Satheesan asserted that Govindan is apprehensive about the revelation of the truth.

“The circumstances surrounding the discovery of his body are shrouded in mystery. Even though Babu's family requested that the post-mortem not be conducted at the Kannur Medical College hospital, it proceeded there anyway. Furthermore, the authorities in Kannur continued with the inquest preparation without the presence of anyone from Babu’s family,” Satheesan elaborated.

“Since the news of Babu’s demise emerged, there has been a deliberate effort to depict him as a corrupt official regarding the approval of a petrol station. If a thorough investigation is conducted, Govindan fears that the identities of those behind the benami application for the pump will be exposed. The official applicant is T.V. Prasanth, a local electrician employed at the state-run Medical College in Kannur. Govindan is anxious about the revelations that may arise from such an inquiry,” Satheesan continued.

Interestingly, on Wednesday, as soon as the Kerala High Court acknowledged the petition from K. Manjusha, Babu’s wife, for a CBI investigation into her husband’s death, Govindan referred to the CBI as a 'caged parrot,' claiming that the agency primarily targets opposition parties.

On Thursday, he reiterated his stance, stating that the CPI(M) has consistently opposed CBI investigations due to their questionable motives.

During the court proceedings, Manjusha’s attorney asserted that the sole method to uncover the truth was through a CBI investigation.

Notably, Babu was regarded as one of the most principled officials in the Revenue Department, a fact acknowledged by Kerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan.

Babu was found deceased in his official accommodation on October 15, just a day after he received an official farewell from Kannur. In her petition, his wife raised alarms about the undue haste in conducting the inquest and autopsy, which occurred prior to the arrival of family members.

The events leading to Babu’s suicide began when P.P. Divya, the Kannur district panchayat president and CPI(M) member, attended the farewell function uninvited and made disparaging remarks about Babu, accusing him of corruption.

During this incident, Kannur District Collector Arun Vijayan, who chaired the event, remained silent and did not respond when Divya made her harsh comments before leaving.

Babu tragically took his own life the very next day, October 15. Following the ensuing controversy, Divya resigned from her position as Kannur district panchayat president.

It is noteworthy that Divya's husband and Prasanth are colleagues at the Kannur Medical College.

Divya was elusive for several days after a legal case was initiated against her on October 17.

On October 29, after a local court denied her anticipatory bail, the police arrested Divya, and she was incarcerated in a Kannur jail until November 8, when she was granted bail.

“What’s even more surprising is that Govindan’s wife was present to greet Divya upon her release from jail. After Babu's funeral, Govindan visited Manjusha to console her, promising that the state government would support her, yet his current position is contradictory,” Satheesan remarked.

The High Court has scheduled a hearing regarding Manjusha’s petition for December 6, at which time the court will rule on her request.