The sudden and tragic death of Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu in Kannur, Kerala, has sent shockwaves through the state's political landscape. The incident has sparked intense protests, demands for action against the district panchayat president, and a deepening political divide. This article delves into the details of the case, the reactions from various political parties, and the ongoing investigations.
1. The Tragic Incident
Naveen Babu was found dead at his official quarters in Kannur on Tuesday morning. The news of his death came just a day after he was criticized by Kannur District Panchayat President P.P. Divya during his farewell function. The criticism centered around a delay in issuing a 'no-objection certificate' for a fuel station, which was allegedly orchestrated by Divya (Source:).
According to reports, Naveen Babu was scheduled to assume office as the additional district magistrate in Pathanamthitta on Wednesday. His family had been informed that he would arrive in Pathanamthitta after the farewell in Kannur. However, he did not turn up, leading his wife and two daughters to inform the police, who eventually located him dead at his quarters (Source:).
2. Protests and Demands
The news of Naveen Babu's death has triggered widespread protests across Kannur. Political parties, youth organizations, and service organizations have joined forces to demand action against P.P. Divya. The protests have been marked by clashes between activists and police, with several leaders and activists being arrested (Source:).
Congress workers led the protests, carrying an effigy of P.P. Divya and attempting to break into the District Panchayat office. The Youth Congress vice president, Farseen Majeed, was taken into custody for attempting to sneak into the office. BJP workers also joined the protest, led by national executive committee member P.K. Krishnadas and national vice-president A.P. Abdullakutty (Source:).
The protests have been so intense that heavy security was deployed around the District Panchayat office and collectorate. Over a hundred police officers were deployed to maintain order, and barricades were set up in front of the Town Police Station (Source:).
3. Political Reactions
The political reactions to Naveen Babu's death have been varied and intense. The BJP has called for the arrest of P.P. Divya, accusing her of orchestrating a campaign of harassment against the ADM (Source:).
BJP state president K. Surendran expressed shock over Naveen Babu's death and attributed it to a campaign of harassment allegedly orchestrated by P.P. Divya. He criticized Divya for attending the official farewell meeting without an invitation, suggesting that her presence was a deliberate attempt to insult the ADM (Source:).
The CPI(M), on the other hand, has maintained a cautious stance. While acknowledging the unfortunate nature of the incident, the party criticized P.P. Divya's remarks at the farewell function. The CPI(M) leader and Revenue Minister K. Rajan described Naveen Babu as an 'upright officer' and called for an investigation into the allegations (Source:).
Kerala Leader of Opposition, Congress's V.D. Satheesan, described the incident as 'shocking' and accused P.P. Divya of insulting the ADM. He demanded that Divya be arrested and stated that the suicide was equivalent to murder (Source:).
4. Investigations and Complaints
The State Human Rights Commission has filed a case following Naveen Babu's suicide and sent a notice to the Kannur District Collector. The commission is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and the role of P.P. Divya (Source:).
Naveen Babu's family has lodged a complaint demanding an investigation against P.P. Divya and the complainant Prasanth. The family alleges a conspiracy behind Naveen Babu's death and is demanding that charges of abetment to suicide be registered against the duo (Source:).
5. Funeral and Tributes
The funeral of Naveen Babu is scheduled to take place on Thursday afternoon at his native place, Malayalapuzha. Public homage will be held at the Pathanamthitta Collectorate and at his family residence (Source:).
Naveen Babu's family has traditionally been CPI(M) supporters, with several members serving as party functionaries in recent years. His mother, Rathnamma, had served as a member of Malayalapuzha panchayat four decades ago after her retirement as a teacher (Source:).
The community has come together to pay their respects to the late ADM. Revenue officials have also joined in the tributes, with many expressing their shock and grief over the tragic event (Source: [Onmanorama News]).
6. Conclusion
The death of Naveen Babu has left a deep scar on the political landscape of Kerala. The ongoing protests and demands for action against P.P. Divya highlight the intense emotions and political divisions that have emerged from this tragic incident. As investigations continue and tributes pour in, the state waits with bated breath for justice to be served.
