Kerala High Court rejects plea for CBI probe into death of ADM Naveen Babu

A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Monday upheld a single-judge's refusal to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of late Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu [Manjusha v. Central Bureau of Investigation & Ors.]..A Bench of Justices PB Suresh Kumar and Jobin Sebastian today dismissed an appeal filed by Manjusha, the widow of late ADM Naveen Babu..In January this year, single judge Justice Kauser Edapagath had rejected Manjusha's prayer for CBI probe into the matter, opining that the current investigation is proceeding well.Manjusha had filed an appeal against this single-judge verdict, which came to be dismissed today..ADM Babu was found dead in his official quarters on October 15, 2024 after a farewell ceremony organised for him on account of his transfer to another district.At the farewell event, former Kannur District Panchayat President and CPI (M) leader PP Divya had made public allegations of corruption against Babu. It has been alleged that Babu was driven to take his life because of Divya's remarks. Divya was later charged with abetting his suicide and after a short period in judicial custody, she was granted bail by a Sessions Court on November 8..In her plea, Manjusha argued that a fair investigation into the case was not possible under the current Special Investigation Team (SIT). She contended that there was a series of events that suggested attempts to shield Divya from any legal consequences.Manjusha claimed that witnesses were afraid to testify against Divya as she is a powerful person with significant political connections. It was also submitted that the inquest following ADM Babu's death was conducted in a rushed manner, even before Babu's family could arrive at the scene.However, the Division Bench today agreed with the single judge's view that the SIT investigation was progressing properly and that there was no need for a CBI probe. .[Read Judgement].Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.