Kochi, March 3 – The Kerala High Court on Monday rejected a petition demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the death of former Kannur Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu. The court's decision was in response to an appeal challenging an earlier ruling by a single-judge bench, which had previously dismissed a plea filed by Babu's widow, Manjusha, seeking a CBI investigation into her husband's alleged suicide.
Following the High Court's ruling, Babu’s family expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing investigation conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kerala Police. Addressing reporters, they indicated their intention to approach the Supreme Court to challenge the verdict further.
The controversy surrounding Babu's tragic death stems from allegations of corruption levelled against him by former Kannur District Panchayat President and CPI(M) leader P P Divya. The accusations surfaced during Babu’s farewell ceremony on October 14 last year, where Divya reportedly arrived uninvited. In her remarks, she publicly criticised Babu for intentionally delaying the approval process for a petrol pump in Chengalai for several months. Divya claimed Babu granted approval only two days after receiving his transfer orders, hinting at undisclosed motives.
Subsequently, Babu allegedly died by suicide, leading to Divya's arrest by local police in connection with the case. Citing political influence and a potential risk of interference in the investigation, Manjusha approached the Kerala High Court demanding the transfer of the investigation from the state police to the CBI. However, the single-judge bench had earlier declined her request on January 6, directing instead that the ongoing SIT investigation be closely supervised by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Kannur.
Despite the latest setback at the High Court, Babu's family remains determined to seek justice, highlighting persistent concerns about the impartiality and efficacy of the investigation.
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