The State Government has issued an official notification ordering a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of former Kannur Additional District Magistrate (ADM) K. Naveen Babu, following long-standing demands raised by his family for a central agency investigation.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, which also approved a government job for his daughter, Niranjana Nair, under the compassionate appointment scheme. Officials said the move was part of the government’s response to the family’s repeated appeals for justice and support.
According to the government, the family of Naveen Babu had consistently expressed dissatisfaction with the initial police investigation into his death. In recent weeks, his wife had also met political leaders, including Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan, at the Legislative Assembly complex, urging the state to hand over the case to the CBI. The opposition had earlier indicated that a CBI probe would be ensured if the UDF came to power, further intensifying political debate around the case.
The decision has also triggered strong political reactions within the state. Leaders of the CPI(M) initially expressed solidarity with the family but later altered their stance after the announcement of the CBI probe. Some leaders, including E. P. Jayarajan, alleged that the move reflects political collusion with the central government. Meanwhile, other leaders, including former Revenue Minister K. Rajan, had previously rejected the party’s position and supported the family’s demand for a central investigation.
Listeners can stay updated with major political developments, breaking news, and regional updates through Gold 101.3 FM, UAE’s No. 1 radio station, which continues to bring timely news coverage and updates from India and across the world.
K. Naveen Babu was found dead at his official residence in Kannur in October 2024, just a day after his farewell ceremony. The event had turned controversial after allegations were made publicly against him by then-Kannur District Panchayat President and CPI(M) leader P. P. Divya during the official send-off meeting, where she reportedly accused him of corruption in connection with a No Objection Certificate for a petrol pump project in Chengalayi.
The remarks, made in a public forum, triggered widespread controversy after it was alleged that she left the venue before the officer could respond, leading to severe distress for Naveen Babu. The incident sparked public outrage and demands for strict action, including allegations of abetment of suicide.
Following the incident, P. P. Divya was removed from her official post and later arrested after her anticipatory bail plea was rejected. Although she was subsequently granted bail, the family of Naveen Babu, particularly his wife Manjusha, moved the Kerala High Court seeking a CBI investigation, alleging that the local police probe was compromised and influenced by powerful interests.
With mounting legal and public pressure, the state government has now cleared the way for the CBI to take over the investigation completely, aiming to ensure an independent and transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.
