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The death of Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu in Kannur, India, continues to be shrouded in mystery and controversy. The investigation into his suicide has taken a significant turn with the statement of Kannur District Collector Arun K. Vijayan to the police. Mr. Vijayan, who was present at the farewell meeting where allegations of corruption were first raised against the ADM, provided full clarification to the police, denying any involvement in inviting the accuser, former district panchayat president P.P. Divya, to the event. He also reiterated that he had no prior knowledge of any allegations against the ADM, describing their working relationship as cordial.
The investigation has also focused on T.V. Prasanthan, who applied for the NOC for the petrol pump. Mr. Prasanthan claimed he paid a bribe to the ADM by pledging gold, a statement that is being investigated by the police. However, the statement of Ms. Divya has not been recorded yet, fueling speculation about potential shielding by the authorities. The court will consider her anticipatory bail plea on Thursday, and the delay in obtaining her statement has led to accusations of police inaction.
While the autopsy report confirmed the ADM’s death was a suicide, it also highlighted the absence of any injuries or marks on the body. The report further indicated the estimated time of death was between 4.30 and 5.30 a.m. on October 15th. Meanwhile, an investigation by Joint Commissioner of Land Revenue A. Geetha has thus far yielded no evidence supporting the bribery allegations made by Ms. Divya. The report suggests no proof of the ADM deliberately delaying the file or accepting a bribe in connection with the NOC, although the investigation is ongoing.
The investigation into ADM Naveen Babu’s death has garnered significant public attention, with concerns about corruption and accountability within the administration. The police are now tasked with piecing together the events leading to his death and ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation. The statement of Ms. Divya and the outcome of the investigation into the bribery allegations will be crucial in determining the truth behind this tragic incident.
Source: ADM’s death: police record statement of Kannur Collector