The Kerala High Court has declined to transfer the investigation into the death of K. Naveen Babu, the former Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Kannur, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Justice Kauser Edappagath issued this decision, directing instead that the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe be supervised by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Kannur.
Naveen Babu was found dead in his official quarters on October 15, 2024, shortly after being transferred to Pathanamthitta. His death has been a subject of controversy, with his wife, Manjusha, alleging foul play and asserting that it was a case of homicidal hanging rather than suicide. She specifically accused P.P. Divya, a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM] and former Kannur District Panchayat President, of abetting her husband's death. Manjusha contended that due to Divya's political influence, the local police were unable to conduct an impartial investigation, prompting her to seek a CBI probe.
The State Government opposed the plea for a CBI investigation, arguing that the SIT was diligently exploring all possible angles of the case. Director General of Prosecution T.A. Shaji submitted that there were no allegations of bias or foul play against the police and that the request for a CBI probe was based on mere inferences without substantial evidence. He further noted that Divya had resigned from all party positions, rendering her incapable of exerting any pressure on the police.
The court, after considering the submissions, concluded that there was no necessity to involve the CBI at this juncture. Instead, it emphasized the need for enhanced supervision of the current investigation. By assigning oversight to the DIG of Kannur, the court aims to ensure a thorough and unbiased inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Naveen Babu's death.
This decision comes amid heightened political sensitivity, as the CPM is already dealing with the repercussions of a CBI court's sentencing of party leaders in the Periya twin murder case. The allegations following Naveen Babu's death have caused considerable damage to the party in Kannur. Although the party has stood by Naveen Babu's family, it has clarified that it does not support a CBI investigation into the matter, aligning with its general position regarding central investigative agencies.
The court's directive to have the DIG supervise the SIT's investigation reflects a balanced approach, aiming to address the concerns of the deceased's family while maintaining the integrity of the state's investigative processes. It underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring that investigations are conducted without bias and that justice is served based on comprehensive and impartial findings.
As the investigation proceeds under the enhanced supervision of the DIG, it remains to be seen how the findings will impact the involved parties and the broader political landscape in Kerala. The court's decision not to involve the CBI at this stage indicates confidence in the state's ability to conduct a fair investigation, provided there is adequate oversight to mitigate any potential biases or external influences.
The case continues to be closely monitored by various stakeholders, including political entities, the media, and the public, all seeking a resolution that upholds justice and transparency. The outcome of the supervised investigation will be pivotal in addressing the allegations and suspicions that have arisen in the wake of Naveen Babu's untimely death.
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