Divya, a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], is alleged to have made remarks during a farewell event, implying that Babu had accepted a bribe to issue a no-objection certificate (NOC) for a petrol pump.
Kerala: A Thalassery court in Kerala today(29th Oct) denied anticipatory bail to former Kannur District Panchayat President, PP Divya, in a criminal case accusing her of abetting the suicide of Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu.
BRIEF FACTS
Divya, a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], is alleged to have made remarks during a farewell event, implying that Babu had accepted a bribe to issue a no-objection certificate (NOC) for a petrol pump.
The following morning, Babu was found dead at his official residence in Kannur. His death occurred shortly before his transfer to Pathanamthitta, where he was to serve as ADM. Notably, he was just seven months away from retirement.
In her defense, Divya argued that her comments were not intended to harm or coerce Babu but were aimed at promoting administrative efficiency by addressing corruption-related concerns. She claimed that her statements were made in good faith after being invited to the farewell event by Kannur District Collector, Arun K Vijayan.
Following the incident, Divya was removed from her position as Panchayat President. To avoid arrest, she sought anticipatory bail, explaining that she needed to care for her elderly parents and assured full cooperation with the investigation.
The defense, represented by Advocate K Viswan, stressed that Divya’s remarks referred to earlier bribery complaints against Babu, reported by individuals named Gangadaran and Prashanth. On behalf of the prosecution, Advocates John S Ralph and PM Sajitha contended that her comments had caused mental distress, ultimately driving Babu to take his own life.
The Thalassery court rejected her bail plea, leaving her without pre-arrest protection as the investigation proceeds.
