 |
|
The controversy surrounding the death of Additional District Magistrate (ADM) K. Naveen Babu continues to escalate in Kannur, India. District Collector Arun K. Vijayan, facing potential protests related to the case, abstained from official programmes on Sunday, including the inauguration of a school by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This absence, coupled with a meeting with the Chief Minister on Saturday night, highlights the gravity of the situation and the pressure mounting on the Collector.
The Collector's meeting with the Chief Minister occurred shortly after he gave his statement to Land Revenue Joint Commissioner A. Geetha regarding the ongoing probe into the ADM's death. This meeting, lasting over 20 minutes, suggests the urgency and seriousness with which the authorities are treating the case. The investigation focuses on events surrounding the ADM's farewell meeting, potential delays in processing a petrol pump licence application, and allegations of bribery related to these delays.
The departmental inquiry into Naveen's death is expected to submit its report within the next two days. As part of the investigation, Ms. Geetha has recorded statements from several officials, including T.V. Prashanthan, who applied for the petrol pump licence. However, former Kannur District Panchayat president P.P. Divya, an accused in the case, is yet to be questioned by the police. Her anticipatory bail plea is scheduled to be heard by the court on Monday.
The police are expected to record the District Collector's statement on Sunday. Amidst growing calls for a comprehensive investigation into the Collector's role, with some demanding he be made an accused, the Collector held a meeting with collectorate employees. The meeting reportedly discussed details of the ADM's death and related allegations.
Source: Kannur Collector abstains from official programmes, holds meeting with CM