Kerala High Court Refuses To Order CBI Probe Into ADM Naveen Babu's Death

The Kerala High Court today refused to order CBI probe into death of former Kannur ADM Naveen Babu.ADM Naveen Babu was found dead in his official quarters on October 15, 2024. His wife alleged that CPM Member and former Kannur district Panchayath President PP Divya is responsible for the death of her husband and raised suspicions of homicidal hanging for CBI probe.Justice Kauser Edappagath ordered the DIG (Kannur) to supervise the ongoing SIT investigation. The Court said that the SIT shall submit periodical reports to the DIG to show the progress of the investigation. The Court also directed the SIT to inform the petitioner of the progress of the investigation as contemplated under Section 193 (3)(ii) of BNSS. The Court further directed the SIT to consider the grievances of the petitioner mentioned in the petition and look into the possibility of homicidal hanging. The Court also said that the SIT should file final report only after it is vetted and approved by the DIG.The counsel appearing for Babu's wife had argued that Divya, due to her political influence, is receiving assistance from the police to fabricate evidence in her favour. It was stated that an impartial agency like CBI must conduct the investigation.Director General of Prosecution T.A Shaji on the other hand submitted that the SIT is investigating into all possible angles of the case. It was argued that there is are no allegations of bias or foul play from the side of the police. Shaji further argued that CBI probe was sought on mere inferences and surmises without any cogent evidence. Further, it was submitted that Divya who has resigned from all party posts was incapable of exerting any sort of pressure on the police. It is alleged that ADM Naveen Babu faced public humiliation CPM Member and former Kannur district Panchayath President PP Divya during his farewell function. It is alleged that in her speech during the farewell function, Divya had accused the deceased of corruption in connection with the NOC for opening a fuel outlet and threatened him. It is also alleged that Divya made the speech and left the function before the memento was handed over to the deceased to humiliate him. It is also alleged that Divya invited local Television channel to cover this event with an intent to publicly humiliate ADM Naveen Babu.A detailed analysis of the judgment can be read here.Case Name: Manjusha K v CBI & OthersCase Number: WP (Crl) 1297/2024

Kerala High Court Refuses To Order CBI Probe Into ADM Naveen Babu's Death

Manju Elsa Isac

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