Kannur: The Thalassery District Sessions Court on Tuesday dismissed the anticipatory bail application of CPM leader and former Kannur district panchayat president PP Divya, who was implicated in the death of Kannur ADM Naveen Babu.

Interestingly, Judge KT Nisar Ahmed, who delivered the ruling on the bail application, simply stated, “Bail is denied.”

Divya had been in hiding and filed the anticipatory bail application after being charged with abetment of suicide in connection with the ADM's death. It is notable that despite the charge of abetment of suicide, the investigation team had not been seen taking proactive action to arrest Divya.

With the bail being rejected, the investigation team will now have to proceed with the arrest. However, she may approach the High Court against the Sessions Court's decision.

The court scene

Representing Divya in court was lawyer K. Viswan, while John S. Ralph appeared for Naveen Babu's family. K. Ajith Kumar acted as the public prosecutor.

The lawyer for Babu’s family told the court that Divya's actions, which involved interfering in matters outside the jurisdiction of the district panchayat and speaking in a threatening tone, constituted serious breach. Similarly, the public prosecutor argued that Divya's six-minute speech at Naveen Babu's farewell event was a premeditated conspiracy.

However, Divya's lawyer highlighted her professional acumen and contended that the speech was well-intentioned and in good faith. The lawyer also mentioned that she has a minor daughter and an ill father at home, requesting that her arrest be prevented.

The CPM state secretariat had previously assessed that Divya's case should proceed legally, but with the rejection of the anticipatory bail application, party action against Divya is likely.