Kerala High Court reserves verdict on plea for CBI probe into death of ADM Naveen Babu

The Kerala High Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on the plea seeking 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.]..The plea has been moved by Babu's wife. The criminal case registered following Babu's death involves allegations against former Kannur District Panchayat President PP Divya, who is accused of having driven the ADM to die by suicide after she publicly accused him of corruption during a speech.Babu's family had moved the High Court seeking a CBI probe on apprehensions that the State may not conduct a fair investigation against Divya, since she was part of the ruling political party..Justice Kauser Edappagath today reserved judgment in the matter. .During the hearing today, advocate John S Ralph, representing Babu's widow, submitted that despite the ongoing investigation against Divya, she continued to wield significant political clout and enjoys the support of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)).To drive his point home, Ralph pointed out that when Divya was released on bail, the wife of the party's State Secretary received her outside jail in the presence of media. He added that the State Secretary himself later gave interviews to news channels where he said that Divya will be protected. Pertinently, Ralph informed the Court that although Divya resigned from her Panchayat post after the case was registered against her, on December 7, she was appointed as a permanent member of the District Panchayat Finance Standing Committee."In my opinion that shows her political power and the decision of the State to protect her by giving her a post in the government when a poor SI is conducting the investigation. Fair trial should start from investigation ... To satisfy conscience of society and family, it is the duty of the State to ensure fair investigation. This shouldn't even require the intervention of the Court. But they have done all this to show that they will protect their comrade making investigation by an impartial agency necessary," Ralph submitted. .The State, represented by Director General of Prosecution, Senior Advocate TA Shaji, countered that the petition was filed on the basis of mere assumptions. He added that the investigation is being conducted by a Special Investigation Team which is more than qualified and impartial. .Babu was found dead in his official quarters on October 15 after a farewell ceremony organised for him on account of his transfer to another district.At this farewell event, former Kannur District Panchayat President and CPI (M) leader PP Divya made some public allegations of corruption against Babu.Divya was subsequently charged with abetting his suicide and after a short period of judicial custody, she was granted bail by a Sessions Court on November 8..The petition moved by Babu's widow highlighted a series of events that suggested that there have been attempts to shield Divya from any legal consequences.It added that the SIT has failed to conduct an impartial or comprehensive investigation. In this regard, the petitioner stated that she had filed a request before the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court in Kannur to preserve crucial evidence related to the case.This includes CCTV footage from the District Collectorate premises, phone call logs, location data, and recordings involving the District Collector and Prashanth, a government official alleged to be connected to the events leading to Babu’s death.According to the petition, witnesses are 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. In this regard, Ralph today pointed out several aspects of the body analysis that allegedly do not indicate a suicide. .After hearing both sides, the Court reserved its verdict in the matter. .Advocates John S Ralph, Vishnu Chandran, Ralph R John, Giridhar Krishna Kumar, Geethu TA, Mary Greeshma, Liz Johny and Krishnapriya Sreekumar appeared for the petitioner.