Feelings had been excessive on the District Collectorate and the residence of former Kannur Extra District Justice of the Peace (ADM) Naveen Babu in Pathanamthitta, the place his mortal stays had been stored for public viewing earlier than being cremated on Thursday. His daughters lit his funeral pyre amidst the grief-stricken ambiance.
On the similar time, CPI(M) chief P P Divya, who was the Kannur District Panchayat President, was booked for abetment to suicide beneath part 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as per a report on PTI. Later within the night, the CPI(M) eliminated Divya from her publish in gentle of the continued police investigation towards her.
Naveen Babu allegedly died by suicide after Divya made corruption allegations towards him throughout his farewell get together, following his switch to Pathanamthitta, his dwelling district, as ADM for the ultimate months of his authorities service.
Many, together with state ministers Okay Rajan and Veena George, attended the funeral. Babu’s physique was cremated by 4 p.m.
Within the wake of the tragedy, the police registered a case towards Divya beneath part 108 of the BNS, a non-bailable offence that carries a possible 10-year jail sentence. By late night, the CPI(M) Kannur District Secretariat introduced that Divya could be faraway from her publish, appointing advocate Okay Okay Ratnakumari as the brand new District Panchayat President.
In a public assertion, Divya expressed her condolences to Babu’s household and pledged full cooperation with the police investigation. She additionally defended her remarks as well-intentioned criticism of corruption however admitted she ought to have kept away from making them on the farewell occasion. Divya submitted her resignation agreeing with the get together’s resolution to step down throughout the investigation.
All through the day, a number of senior IAS officers paid tribute to Babu, remembering him as a devoted and environment friendly officer throughout his 30-year authorities service. A former colleague, Divya S Iyer, the ex-Pathanamthitta District Collector, tearfully recounted her experiences working with Babu, describing him as an individual who would by no means hurt or damage anybody.