Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has decided to hand over the investigation into the death of former Kannur Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), bringing a politically sensitive case that sparked widespread controversy under the scrutiny of the central agency.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting, acceding to the long-standing demand of Naveen Babu’s family, which had repeatedly expressed a lack of confidence in the police investigation and the subsequent probe conducted by a special investigation team.
In a related decision, the Cabinet also approved government employment for Naveen Babu’s daughter, Niranjana, under the dependent appointment scheme.
The move assumes significance as it marks the first case to be recommended for a CBI investigation since the new government assumed office. Since the previous state government had withdrawn the general consent that allowed the CBI to directly register and investigate cases in Kerala, a specific recommendation from the state government was required for the central agency to take over the probe.
The decision is expected to have political ramifications, with the Opposition likely to intensify its allegations that the previous government attempted to shield CPI(M) leader and former Kannur District Panchayat President P.P. Divya, who remains the sole accused named in the charge sheet filed so far.
From the outset, Naveen Babu’s family had raised serious objections to the investigations carried out by local police and the special investigation team. The family maintained that the probes had failed to uncover the full circumstances surrounding his death and repeatedly demanded an inquiry by a central agency.
“Only a CBI investigation can bring out the truth and ensure justice for Naveen Babu,” family members had consistently asserted.
Naveen Babu was found hanging at his official residence in Pallikkunnu, Kannur, on October 15, 2024.
His death occurred a day after his farewell function at the Kannur Collectorate, where P.P. Divya, then the District Panchayat President, arrived without an invitation and publicly levelled allegations against him regarding the issuance of a no-objection certificate (NOC) for a petrol pump.
According to reports, Naveen Babu left the Collectorate visibly distressed after the event. He reportedly did not even accept the farewell gifts presented to him following the public criticism.
He had booked a ticket on the Malabar Express, scheduled to depart Kannur at 8.55 p.m. However, relatives who reached Chengannur the following morning informed officials that he was not on the train. His driver later discovered him dead at his official quarters.
The incident triggered widespread protests and a major political controversy across Kerala, eventually forcing P.P. Divya to resign from the post of District Panchayat President. She was subsequently arrested in connection with the case.
With the CBI set to take over the investigation, the agency is expected to examine whether any other individuals played a role in bringing Divya to the farewell function, the circumstances surrounding the allegations levelled against Naveen Babu, and any possible links connected to the petrol pump controversy.
While the government’s decision to provide employment to Naveen Babu’s daughter has been viewed as a gesture of support towards the bereaved family, attention is now focused on whether the CBI investigation will identify all those responsible, establish the complete sequence of events leading to the tragedy, and bring those accountable before the law.