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The death of Kannur Assistant District Magistrate (ADM) K. Naveen Babu has sparked a political controversy in Kerala, with the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan vowing to take steps to prevent such incidents from happening again. The controversy arose after a statement made by CPI(M) leader P.P. Divya, the then Kannur district panchayat president, at a farewell function for Naveen. Divya had accused the ADM of delaying the approval of a petrol pump, hinting at corruption in the late grant of approval. This accusation, delivered just days before Naveen's death, has led to Divya being charged with abetment to suicide, a non-bailable offense carrying a potential jail term of up to ten years. Following the charge, Divya was forced to step down from her position.
The Chief Minister, breaking his silence on the issue nine days after Naveen's death, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and emphasized the need for preventing such incidents in the future. He stated that the government would not tolerate anyone questioning the integrity and dedication of officials who diligently perform their duties. This statement can be interpreted as a direct response to Divya's accusations and a clear message that the government will take a strong stance against any attempt to undermine the confidence of government officials.
The Opposition, including the United Democratic Front and the Bharatiya Janata Party, has condemned the CPI(M) for their alleged actions in undermining the confidence of government officials and persecuting honest officers. The Opposition's stance suggests a deep-seated concern about the impact of Divya's accusations on the morale of government officials and the potential for future similar incidents. The situation highlights a complex interplay of political maneuvering, accusations of corruption, and the delicate balance between upholding the integrity of government officials and addressing allegations of misconduct. The case is likely to have a significant impact on the political landscape in Kerala, with implications for the relationship between the government, the ruling party, and the opposition.
Source: ADM’s death: CM says govt. to take steps to prevent repeat of such incident