Tearful farewell for Kannur ADM Naveen Babu: IAS officers remember him as honest, efficient

Pathanamthitta: Emotional scenes unfolded at the District Collectorate as hundreds of people, including ministers, senior officials, and colleagues, gathered to pay their last respects to former Kannur ADM Naveen Babu. His body was displayed for public viewing on Thursday morning.

Divya S. Iyer, the former District Collector of Pathanamthitta, was visibly upset as she shared her memories of working with Babu. "We worked together as a family. I cannot believe the allegations against him. He worked selflessly. He was a humble person. I cannot comment any further about it as I am a government official. It was really unfortunate. I cannot say anything more than that," she told reporters, as she wiped away the tears streaming down her face.

She described him as someone who could never harm anyone. "He was very happy when he came to tell me that he got promoted as Deputy Collector of Kasaragod. He was very happy. Took a photo with me and left. That is the last time I saw him in person. So, it is unbearable to see him like this now," she said. 

Another former District Collector, IAS officer P.B. Nooh, also expressed his sorrow. In an emotional Facebook post, he remembered Babu as a kind person who connected with others without the usual bureaucratic barriers. Nooh credited Babu’s efforts for helping the community navigate crises, including the 2018 floods, the controversies over women's entry into Sabarimala, and the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"It is unbearable that a person who was always smiling, who never complained about anything, and got along easily with anyone, is finally saying goodbye like this. He deserved a better send off after more than 30 years of service..," Nooh said.

State Revenue Minister K. Rajan and Health Minister Veena George were among those who paid tribute to Babu at the collectorate.

After the public viewing, Babu's body was taken to his home in Malayalapuzha, where family and friends gathered for the final rites. His wife and daughters were seen weeping alongside his remains, while neighbours, friends, and colleagues arrived to offer their condolences.

Agency