Wife of Kannur Ex-ADM Appeals for CBI Investigation in Suicide Case
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Synopsis
K. Manjusha, widow of Kannur ADM Naveen Babu, has appealed to the Kerala HC division bench for a CBI investigation into her husband's death, which was labeled as suicide. This follows the dismissal of her initial petition by a single bench. The case has stirred significant controversy and allegations of political motivations.
Key Takeaways
- Manjusha appeals for CBI probe
- Initial petition dismissed by single bench
- Political controversy surrounding Babu's death
- Concerns over police investigation raised by family
- Divya's uninvited claims at farewell event
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 29 (NationPress) Three weeks after the Kerala High Court's single bench ruled against a petition for a CBI investigation into the demise of Kannur Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu, who was discovered hanging at his official residence on October 15, 2024, his wife filed an appeal before a division bench on Wednesday.
On January 6, the single bench dismissed her request, prompting K. Manjusha, Babu’s widow, to announce her intent to challenge the ruling.
She stated, "This is not the end. We will appeal to the High Court division bench," and on Wednesday, she submitted her petition, arguing that the current police investigation was unsatisfactory.
The state government, led by Pinarayi Vijayan, which had initially expressed support for Babu’s family, opposed the call for a CBI investigation during the court hearings.
Naveen Babu, known as a diligent and esteemed officer, was found deceased shortly after his official farewell from Kannur.
The controversy escalated when P.P. Divya, the Kannur District Panchayat President and a CPI(M) member, attended Babu’s farewell uninvited, leveling accusations of corruption against him.
The family contended that Divya’s allegations were politically motivated and caused significant distress to Babu.
Divya was subsequently arrested and briefly imprisoned in relation to the case, resigning from her position amid increasing scrutiny.
Following the suicide report, Manjusha and her family expressed dissatisfaction with the police's handling of the matter, consistently arguing that the inquest and post-mortem were performed hastily and without the family's involvement. They highlighted that forceful ligature marks were discovered on Babu's neck, necessitating scientific examination. The family voiced concerns that Divya’s substantial political connections could impede a fair investigation by state authorities.
The Kerala government contested the plea, asserting that the ongoing police investigation was fair and evidence-based. The government’s attorney claimed that the request for a CBI inquiry was based on conjecture without concrete evidence.
Divya's allegations against Babu were related to delays in granting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a petrol pump application by T.V. Prasanth, an electrician at the Kannur Medical College, who was reportedly associated with Divya’s spouse, raising doubts about the motives behind the accusations. In the aftermath of Babu’s death, Divya sought refuge but was arrested on October 29, 2024, after her anticipatory bail application was denied. She was subsequently released on bail on November 8, 2024.
