Emotional Farewell to Kannur ADM Naveen Babu Amid Legal Troubles for P P Divya

Emotions were palpable at the District Collectorate and the home of former Kannur ADM Naveen Babu, where his body was displayed for public viewing before his daughters performed the last rites. Around the same time, CPI M leader P P Divya faced charges of abetment of suicide under section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). By late night, she was removed from her position as Kannur District Panchayat President amid an ongoing police investigation.

Babu's death, allegedly by suicide, followed corruption allegations made by Divya during his farewell party. These accusations came after his transfer to Pathanamthitta as additional district magistrate. His family, including his wife and daughters, remained composed during the funeral attended by hundreds, including state ministers K Rajan and Veena George. Babu's remains were cremated by 4 pm.

Investigation and Political Repercussions

As Babu's body returned to Malayalapuzha, police in Kannur charged Divya under section 108 of BNS. This non-bailable offence carries a potential 10-year prison sentence. Later that night, the CPI M Kannur District Secretariat announced Divya's removal from her post. Advocate K K Ratnakumari was named as her successor. The party stated Divya should resign due to the investigation, which she agreed to do.

Divya expressed sorrow over Babu's death and extended condolences to his family. She pledged cooperation with the police investigation and vowed to prove her innocence legally. She acknowledged that her comments were intended as constructive criticism against corruption but admitted they were ill-timed during the farewell event.

Colleagues Remember Babu

Earlier in the day, senior IAS officers who worked with Babu reflected on his dedication and efficiency over his 30-year career. Former Pathanamthitta district collector Divya S Iyer tearfully shared her experiences working alongside him. "We worked together as a family. I cannot believe the allegations against him. He worked selflessly," she said.

Iyer described Babu as someone who could never harm anyone and recalled his joy upon being promoted to Deputy Collector of Kasaragod. "He was very happy. Took a photo with me and left," she remembered, noting it was their last meeting.

Tributes from Officials

IAS officer P B Nooh also shared memories of working with Babu in an emotional Facebook post. He described Babu as a gentle person who interacted freely with people and worked efficiently. Nooh credited officials like Babu for overcoming crises such as the 2018 floods, Sabarimala controversies, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

"It is unbearable that a person who was always smiling...is finally saying goodbye like this," Nooh wrote. State Revenue Minister K Rajan and Health Minister Veena George paid their respects to Babu at the collectorate.

Allegations at Farewell Event

The farewell ceremony for Babu took place a day before his death, attended by colleagues and District Collector Arun K Vijayan. During this event, Divya accused him of delaying approval for a petrol pump in Chengalai until two days after his transfer, suggesting ulterior motives behind this decision.

Babu's death became known when his wife and children went to Chengannur railway station to meet him on Tuesday morning. He was expected to assume his new role as ADM Pathanamthitta later that day. When he did not arrive on the train, they attempted to contact him but received no response. Colleagues in Kannur later found him deceased in his quarters.