Pathanamthitta: Kannur District Collector Arun K. Vijayan has issued an apology to the family of Kannur Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu, who committed suicide. The Collector conveyed his remorse regarding the events surrounding the farewell meeting in a letter, which was personally delivered to the family by the Pathanamthitta sub-collector.

In the letter, the Collector mentioned that he remained in Pathanamthitta until after Naveen’s last rites and wished to have been present with him but couldn’t do it. The shock of Naveen's passing still lingers, as he had worked closely with him until days before his death. The Collector described Naveen, whom he had known for eight months, as someone who fulfilled his duties with both efficiency and compassion. The Kannur Collector had expressed a desire to attend the funeral, but the family declined this offer.

Allegations have emerged from Naveen Babu's cousin, Malayalappuzha Mohanan, who is a prominent leader of the CPM in the Konni region. Mohanan has accused the Collector of inviting P P Divya to the ADM's farewell event, claiming that the timing of the ceremony was adjusted to suit her schedule. The CPM leadership in Pathanamthitta, along with opposition leader VD Satheesan, has also voiced concerns regarding the Collector’s actions.