Deceased Kannur ADM Naveen Babu’s brother alleges abetment, seeks action against CPIM leader PP Divya: Reports

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A case was registered against Kerala CPIM leader and Kannur district panchayat President PP Divya on October 16 by the Kerala Human Rights Commission after Praveen Babu, the brother of deceased Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu, alleged that the “false allegations” levelled by her led his brother to commit suicide, local media reported.

The action against Divya comes a day after Praveen Babu lodged a complaint against her with the Kannur Town. According to an Indian Express report, the complaint filed by him stated that Divya had allegedly threatened Naveen Babu, which led to the suicide. The deceased’s brother has sought an investigation into the involvement of both the CPIM leader and one Prashant, who owns a petrol pump, in Naveen Babu’s death.

These allegations have triggered political reactions, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) calling for a hartal in the Kannur Municipal Corporation area demanding a detailed investigation against Divya. Meanwhile, the Congress party, along with the BJP, also held protest marches to the CPIM leader’s residence, seeking her resignation.

According to media reports, Naveen Babu was found dead after he was humiliated at his farewell ceremony, with Divya public accusing him of being corrupt. She was not invited to the event and was not supposed to attend it. She had only arrived at the event to level the allegations against the ADM and had left soon after, as per the reports.

A case of unnatural death has been registered by the Kannur police, but they have reportedly not decided to expand the investigation to probe abetment charges against the petrol pump owner and Divya.