Pathanamthitta: The family of former Kannur Additional District Magistrate (ADM) K Naveen Babu has filed a court petition seeking ₹65 lakh in compensation in connection with his death. The petition was submitted at the Pathanamthitta sub-court, which has issued summons to the respondents --former Kannur District Panchayat President PP Divya and TV Prashanthan. The court has directed both to appear in person or through advocates on November 11.

Naveen Babu was found hanging at his quarters in Pallikkunnu, Kannur, on October 15, 2024. Reports state that Divya allegedly attended his farewell ceremony at the Kannur Collectorate uninvited and made defamatory remarks against Babu. Meanwhile, Prashanthan accused him of accepting bribes, though he failed to provide supporting evidence.

The petition highlights that both the Land Revenue Commissioner and Vigilance Department confirmed Naveen Babu did not accept bribes. It also notes that a complaint Prashanthan claimed to have sent to the Chief Minister’s office was never received.

The petition has been filed through lawyer Ajith Prabhav from the Pathanamthitta Bar. A special investigation team had already submitted a chargesheet regarding Naveen Babu’s death to the Kannur court.

Naveen Babu’s wife, Manjusha, has raised concerns in court over errors in the chargesheet, alleging it contains witness statements favourable to the accused. The sub-court is scheduled to consider her petition in December.

The family has demanded investigation into a complaint lodged by Naveen Babu’s brother at the Kannur Town Police Station regarding Prashanthan’s alleged conspiracy, which they say remains unaddressed. Divya’s comments at the farewell reportedly related to Prashanthan’s petrol pump licence application. The family insists that the alleged conspiracy involving Divya, Prashanth, and others must be fully examined.