Death of Naveen Babu: HC rejects petition demanding CBI investigation

Kannur: The Kerala High Court has dismissed the petition filed by K. Naveen Babu's wife, demanding a CBI investigation into his death. The case investigation will continue under the supervision of the Kannur Range DIG.

Justice Kauser Edappagath delivered the verdict on the petition filed by Naveen Babu's wife, Manjusha.

P.P. Divya, a former district panchayat president and a CPM district committee member, is the accused in the abetment to suicide case. During a farewell event for Naveen Babu, then ADM of Kannur, who had been transferred to Pathanamthitta, Divya allegedly portrayed him as corrupt in her speech. The next day, on October 15, Naveen Babu was found dead at his quarters in Pallikkunnu, near Kannur.

From the beginning, Naveen Babu's family had raised suspicions about the circumstances of his death, alleging it to be a murder. In her petition, Manjusha expressed concerns that the police would not conduct a fair investigation due to Divya's political influence. The petition also pointed out suspicious aspects, such as the bloodstains on Naveen Babu's undergarments, which the police allegedly ignored, and the hurried inquest process.

The CBI had stated that it was willing to take over the investigation if directed by the court. However, the government's argument against the petition highlighted the lack of evidence to support the allegations beyond the claims made.

Meanwhile, Manjusha has said that she is not satisfied with the verdict and would file an appeal against the verdict. She also said that, she would continue her legal battle till justice would be delivered.  Praveen Babu, brother of Naveen Babu, too has expressed disappointment over the verdict as he said that he expected a favourable verdict from the High Court. “Once we will get the copy of the verdict, we would decide about our future course of action,” he said.