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The death of Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu in Kannur, India, continues to be shrouded in mystery and controversy. As the investigation unfolds, the statement of Kannur District Collector Arun K. Vijayan has become a crucial piece of the puzzle. The police visited the Collector's residence after working hours on Monday to record his statement, seeking clarification on the allegations surrounding the ADM's death.
The controversy stemmed from allegations of corruption raised against the ADM by former district panchayat president P.P. Divya at a farewell meeting held for him. Divya claimed to have evidence of the ADM's misconduct related to granting a no-objection certificate (NOC) for a petrol pump. This led to speculation that the Collector may have played a role in inviting Divya to the farewell meeting, given that he had been accused of being involved in the alleged cover-up.
In his statement to the police, the Collector denied inviting Divya to the event, stating that she was not officially invited. He provided the police with his phone records, indicating that he had not contacted either Naveen Babu or Divya after the farewell meeting. While the Collector declined to offer further details, citing the ongoing investigation, he maintained that he had no prior knowledge of any allegations against the ADM and their working relationship had been cordial.
Another key witness in the case, T.V. Prasanthan, who applied for the NOC for the petrol pump, gave a statement to the police on Monday evening. Prasanthan claimed to have paid a bribe to the ADM by pledging gold. His statement alleges that the bribe was given on October 6 at the ADM's quarters. However, the statement of Divya, who is facing accusations of conspiring against the ADM, has not been recorded yet. Her anticipatory bail plea will be considered by the court on Thursday. There are accusations that the police have delayed action against her, fueling speculation that she is being shielded.
Meanwhile, an investigation conducted by Joint Commissioner of Land Revenue A. Geetha found no evidence to support Divya's allegations of bribery. The report indicates that there is no proof that the ADM deliberately delayed the file or took a bribe in connection with the NOC. The post-mortem examination confirmed that Naveen Babu's death was suicide, with the estimated time of death between 4.30 and 5.30 a.m. on October 15. The autopsy revealed no injuries or marks on the body.
The investigation into the ADM's death continues, with the police working to gather more evidence and clarify the events surrounding the tragedy. The testimonies of key witnesses, particularly Divya's statement, will be crucial in determining the truth behind the allegations and the extent of the involvement of the Collector and others in the case. The case has raised serious questions about the integrity of government officials and the need for thorough investigations to ensure justice is served.
Source: ADM’s death: police record statement of Kannur Collector