Former Kannur ADM Naveem Babu’s wife seeks CBI probe into her husband's death

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Manjusha, the wife of former Kannur ADM Naveen Babu, has called for a CBI investigation into her husband's death, expressing distrust in the ongoing probe by the state police's Special Investigation Team (SIT).

She petitioned the Kerala High Court for a CBI inquiry, pointing out significant flaws, including rushed inquest procedures and questionable circumstances surrounding Naveen Babu's purported suicide. The petition has been listed for hearing on Wednesday.

Naveen Babu was found dead at his official residence in Kannur on October 15. This occurred following public embarrassment and corruption accusations leveled by P P Divya, the former president of the Kannur district panchayat, at his farewell event on October 14.

Divya, who was not an invitee at the event, accused him of bribery related to the NOC for a petrol pump in the presence of the ADM, Collector, and other staff members. This accusation was in reference to a claim made by Prashant, a CPM supporter who had applied for an NOC for a petrol pump.

The family has dismissed the state police investigation as inadequate and has called for a CBI inquiry. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has also been submitted to the high court demanding a CBI investigation into Naveen Babu's death.

Manjusha, who is also the Tahsildar of Konni, stated in her petition that they reject the police's conclusion that Naveen Babu's death was a suicide, suspecting instead that he was murdered and then hanged. The special police team, constituted post the ADM's death, has failed to make any significant headway in the investigation to date.

The plea expresses concern that scientific evidence, including CCTV footage, is not being gathered, suggesting that the investigative team might be attempting to conceal actual evidence and fabricate false evidence to protect the accused.

The lapse in further proceedings, including the inquest after the death of Naveen Babu, should also be considered intentional. It is also suspected that the procedures completed without the presence of a close relative were to cover up the murder.

In her petition, Naveen Babu's wife has implored the central agency to uncover the truth behind Naveen Babu's death and to ensure that all those implicated are brought to justice.

The petition also casts doubt on P P Divya, the former president of the Kannur district panchayat, and suggests that the bribery complaint filed with the chief minister's office is spurious. The family's suspicions have intensified following the ADM's death, leading to their demand for a thorough investigation.