Pathanamthitta: The family of former Kannur ADM Naveen Babu has reiterated their demand for the investigation into his death to be transferred to a different agency. They have expressed concerns over the Kerala Police's handling of the case, particularly after the arrest of PP Divya, the former district panchayat president of Kannur, on charges of allegedly abetting suicide.
The family voiced their opposition to Divya’s bail application in court, expressing dissatisfaction with the progress of the police investigation. Naveen’s counsel also questioned whether sufficient evidence would remain if another agency were to take over the case. When Divya was initially denied bail, the family believed the investigation was moving forward, but later felt this assumption was incorrect.
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The family called for the preservation of evidence after Naveen's brother, Praveen Babu, filed a complaint with the Kannur police demanding an investigation into the conspiracy involving Prashanthan, which had been repeatedly ignored by the probing team. Naveen’s wife, Manjusha, also filed a case in the Kannur court on the same matter, demanding that vital evidence be kept safe.
The family demanded the preservation of CCTV footage, call details, and other evidence. In their petition, the family's lawyer also emphasised the need for a different agency to handle the case. It was pointed out that since the Kerala Police investigation was unsatisfactory, evidence might be lost in case another agency takes over. The verdict in this case is expected on Saturday.
Petition at High Court for CBI investigation
The family approached the Kerala High Court, requesting that the CBI take over the case due to their belief that the police investigation was inadequate. The High Court, currently on holiday until January 6, had heard the arguments but postponed its verdict.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the case has argued that the allegations about a conspiracy involving Prashanthan, who claimed Naveen Babu took a bribe, are based on hearsay. The family also criticized the police for not considering Prashanthan’s bribery allegations, which surfaced the same day news of Naveen Babu’s death broke.
It is reported that the Special Investigation Team has stated that the demand to investigate the conspiracy involving Prashanthan, who claimed Naveen Babu took a bribe, is based on hearsay. There are also allegations that the police have ignored the fact that Prashanthan made the bribery claim via news channels on the same day news of Naveen Babu’s death broke.
Published: 28 Dec 2024, 10:39 am IST
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