Divya Removed as Kannur District Panchayat President Amid Abetment to Suicide Allegations

CPIM leader P P Divya was removed from her role as Kannur District Panchayat President on Thursday. This action followed her being charged with abetment to suicide after the death of former Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu. The Left party announced her removal shortly after Babu's cremation in Malayalapuzha, Pathanamthitta district. Advocate K K Ratnakumari is set to replace Divya in the position.

Babu's death has stirred controversy, with opposition parties like Congress and BJP demanding Divya's resignation and arrest. The incident unfolded when Babu, who was to assume his new role as ADM in Pathanamthitta, was found dead in his quarters. His family discovered his absence when he failed to arrive at Chengannur railway station as expected.

Allegations and Investigation

Divya faced allegations of corruption against Babu during his farewell party. She criticised him for delaying a petrol pump approval in Chengalai, which was granted only two days post-transfer. Divya attended the event without an official invitation, where district Collector Arun K Vijayan was present.

The police registered a case under section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Kannur Town police station. This section pertains to abetment to suicide and carries a non-bailable offence with a potential 10-year imprisonment sentence. The district secretariat suggested Divya step down due to the ongoing investigation.

Divya's Response

Divya expressed sorrow over Babu's death and extended condolences to his family. She assured cooperation with the police investigation and stated her intention to prove her innocence legally. Divya acknowledged that her comments were meant as criticism against corruption but admitted they were inappropriate at the farewell event.

She agreed with the district secretariat's decision that stepping down was necessary amidst the investigation. Consequently, she submitted her resignation from the District Panchayat President post, forwarding it to the relevant authorities.

The tragic incident came to light when Babu's wife, a tehsildar, and their children went to meet him at Chengannur railway station. Unable to reach him by phone, they contacted his colleagues in Kannur, who later found him hanging in his quarters.

This development has led to significant political tension in the state, with calls for accountability and justice for Babu's untimely death continuing to grow.