Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 14: Nearly six months after the tragic death of Kannur Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu, his wife, Manjusha, has approached the Supreme Court seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, expressing dissatisfaction with the ongoing state police investigation.
This move comes after both a single bench in January and a division bench in March of the Kerala High Court dismissed her petitions for a CBI inquiry. Undeterred, Manjusha filed a fresh plea in the apex court on Monday, reiterating her family's deep mistrust in the state-led investigation.
Naveen Babu, known for his integrity and professionalism, was discovered hanging in his official quarters on October 15, just a day after his official farewell from Kannur district. His death sent shockwaves through the administrative and political corridors of Kerala.
Controversy erupted when P.P. Divya, a CPI(M) leader and President of the Kannur District Panchayat, attended Babu’s farewell function uninvited and publicly accused him of corruption. The remarks, according to Babu’s family, were unfounded and deeply distressing, allegedly contributing to his untimely death. Divya was arrested on October 29 after evading arrest for weeks, and she later resigned from her post following intense public backlash. She was granted bail on November 8.
In her plea, Manjusha highlighted serious concerns about the manner in which the investigation was conducted. Her counsel pointed to procedural lapses — including a rushed inquest and post-mortem carried out in the absence of the family. They also cited the presence of forceful ligature marks on Babu's neck, suggesting the need for deeper forensic scrutiny.
Another concern raised was the potential influence of political connections. Manjusha’s legal team argued that Divya’s affiliations might compromise the impartiality of a state-led probe, and that only a central agency could ensure a fair and transparent investigation.
The Kerala government, however, remains firm in its stance. During the High Court proceedings, the state opposed the demand for a CBI inquiry, asserting that the ongoing investigation by the Kerala Police was professional, unbiased, and grounded in evidence.
The corruption allegations that Divya leveled against Babu were linked to a delay in granting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a petrol pump application filed by T.V. Prasanth, an electrician at the Kannur Medical College. Reports suggest Prasanth is a close associate of Divya’s husband, adding a layer of personal motive to the political accusations.
On March 29, state police filed a charge sheet naming Divya as the sole accused in the case related to her remarks against Babu. As the legal battle continues, all eyes are now on the Supreme Court’s response to Manjusha’s latest plea for justice.