ADM Naveen Babu Death: Kerala High Court Reserves Order On Wife's Plea Seeking CBI Probe

ADM Naveen Babu's 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 heard the arguments and reserved for orders today.

Advocate V. John Sebastian Ralph, on behalf of ADM Naveen Babu's wife, submitted that Divya has strong political ties with the ruling party and alleged that the State investigating agency would not conduct a fair investigation. He further alleged that Divya, due to her political influence, is receiving assistance from the police to fabricate evidence in her favor. It was stated that an impartial agency like CBI must conduct the investigation.

It was alleged that forceful ligature marks were present on the neck of the deceased, which has to be investigated scientifically by an agency like CBI. It was alleged that the inquest was not conducted in the presence of relatives of the deceased. Relying upon the post-mortem report, it was argued that the possibility of suicide could be ruled out due to lack of bodily fluids. It was argued that the investigation should be conducted in a way that instils confidence in both the victim's family and the public; however, in this case, the police investigation is unlikely to instil confidence.

Director General of Prosecution T.A Shaji submitted that the special investigating team 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. It was 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 was submitted that there is not even a single flaw in the investigation and that the prosecution has not made out a prima facie case warranting CBI investigation.

Dr K P Satheesan, Special Prosecutor for CBI submitted that CBI has no objections and was ready to abide by any directions of the Court.

Background

ADM Naveen Babu was found dead in his official quarters on October 15, 2024.

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.

Divya was granted bail by the Thalassery Sessions Court in the first week of November.

Case Name: Manjusha K v CBI & Others

Case Number: WP (Crl) 1297/2024