Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan announced the completion of an internal probe into the death of former Kannur Additional District Magistrate Naveen Babu, who allegedly died by suicide following corruption allegations raised by former District Panchayat President P P Divya at his farewell. The report, conducted by Land Revenue Joint Commissioner A Geetha, found no evidence of corruption against Babu. While the Revenue Department’s report concluded the inquiry, the police continue to investigate other aspects. Divya, who attended Babu’s farewell uninvited, was arrested but later released on bail. Babu’s family has requested a CBI investigation into his death.
Thiruvananthapuram:
On Sunday, Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan announced that his department has finished an internal investigation into the death of former Kannur Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu and has submitted the findings.
Babu reportedly died by suicide after facing corruption allegations leveled against him by former Kannur District Panchayat President P P Divya during his farewell event.
In a statement to the media, Rajan described it as a “fact-finding inquiry,” which was prompted by allegations of the senior official’s involvement in corruption and delaying a file intentionally.
This statement follows reports indicating that the inquiry conducted by Land Revenue Joint Commissioner A Geetha found no evidence of corruption associated with the late ADM.
“The inquiry was conducted by the Land Revenue Joint Commissioner, and based on the evidence and documents reviewed, it was concluded that ADM Naveen Babu was not implicated in any corruption,” Rajan stated.
He mentioned that the government had closed the case after assessing the report, which was also reviewed by both the Chief Minister and himself, noting he had addressed the media on this matter five months ago.
Rajan further stated that while the police are looking into other facets of the case, the findings from the Revenue Department may be beneficial to the agency handling the investigation.
The department’s report reportedly suggested that the appearance of the accused, former Kannur District Panchayat President Divya, at Babu’s farewell gathering was premeditated.
However, Rajan made it clear that the Revenue Department is not authorized to investigate any conspiracy associated with the case, as that responsibility lies with the police.
When questioned about the status of the ongoing police investigation, Rajan stated that since the matter is currently in the courts, he would abstain from making further comments as a minister.
“Let the investigation conclude. We currently believe that justice will prevail for Naveen Babu’s family. If not, we can revisit the issue at that point,” he remarked.
Previously, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam indicated that the government has assigned a senior revenue official to provide a report on the situation, emphasizing the Left government’s dedication to the matter. “The truth will be revealed, and those responsible must face consequences,” he told reporters.
When asked about the family’s request for a CBI investigation, Viswam expressed his support for them.
Naveen Babu’s family has approached the Kerala High Court, seeking an order for a CBI inquiry into his death.
Divya, a CPI(M) leader, allegedly attended Babu’s send-off uninvited on October 14 last year, where she criticized him for delaying the approval of a petrol pump in Chengalai for months, insinuating knowledge of the reasons behind his sudden approval just two days after his transfer.
Following the incident, Divya was arrested by the police after her application for anticipatory bail was denied by a lower court, though she was later granted regular bail.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)