ADM's death sparks demand for murder charges against P P Divya; Massive protests in Kannur

Kannur: Kannur city witnessed a massive protest, the likes of which have not been seen in recent times. The protest was in response to the suicide of ADM K Naveen Babu with demands that District Panchayat President P P Divya be charged with murder. Political parties, youth organisations and service organisations led the protest in front of the District Panchayat office. The area became a hotbed of agitation from Tuesday morning, with tensions flaring at times.

Activists storm Panchayat office

At around 10.30 am, Yuva Morcha activists were the first to arrive, storming the District Panchayat office. Police intervened and forcibly removed the activists, leading to clashes. Leaders named Arjun Mavilakandi, Binil Kannur, Akshay Krishnan, and BJP district secretary Arun Kaithapram were arrested.

Following intelligence reports that more organisations would join the protest, barricades were set up in front of the Town Police Station, and over a hundred police officers were deployed.

By 11.00 am, Youth Congress activists arrived, carrying an effigy of P P Divya. Attempts to break into the District Panchayat office led to scuffles with the police. During the clash, the activists hanged Divya's effigy in front of the office. State Youth Congress vice president Farseen Majeed was taken into custody by Town Police Inspector Sreejith Koderi for attempting to sneak into the office.

Later, BJP workers also joined the protest, led by national executive committee member P K Krishnadas, national vice-president A P Abdullakutty, district president N Haridas and state secretary K Ranjith.

Congress leaders, led by DCC President Martin George, also arrived at the District Panchayat office. Leaders such as T O Mohanan, V P Abdul Rasheed and Vijin Mohan led the protest, but police blocked them near the Panchayat gate, resulting in a scuffle.

Mahila Congress leaders also protested. Jubilee Chacko led a sit-in by the District Panchayat’s women members at the office gate.

A march by the Muslim League saw similar clashes between leaders and the police. The protest was inaugurated by district president Abdul Kareem Chelery. Leaders like Taslim Chettamkunnu, Faisal Cherukunnon, Aslam Parath, Ismail Kunjippally, Rashid, and Asnaf led the demonstration. During the Youth League march, district president Naseer Nallur, general secretary P C Naseer, and Althaf Mangadan were arrested. SDPI and Welfare Party activists also gathered at the District Panchayat office, burning an effigy of P P Divya. Five activists were taken into custody.

Massive protest by government employees

Led by the NGO Association, government employees also protested in front of the Collector’s chamber and various government offices, before marching to the District Panchayat office. NGO state vice president K K Rajesh Khanna accused P P Divya of publicly threatening and intimidating a government official. State secretary M P Shaneej addressed the gathering. About a hundred employees, under the leadership of the staff council, also marched to the District Panchayat office and collectorate. NGO Sangh workers joined the protest in front of the District Panchayat office.

Heavy security around District Panchayat Office

Due to the scale of the protests, heavy security was arranged around the District Panchayat office. More than a hundred police officers, led by Kannur ACP T K Rathnakumar and Town Police Inspector Sreejith Koderi, were deployed. Security was also tightened around the collectorate. A special meeting, chaired by Police Commissioner Ajith Kumar IPS, was held to assess the situation.