ADM suicide: Family files plea in SC seeking CBI probe
A month after a division bench of the Kerala High Court rejected the demand for a CBI probe into the death of Kannur Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu, who was died by suicide at his official residence on October 15, his wife on Monday, April 14 filed a petition in the Supreme Court with the same demand. In January a single bench of the High Court rejected her plea and in March the division bench also rejected her plea. On both the occasions, Manjusha, Babu’s wife, expressed her sadness in her plea being rejected. On March 3, when the High Court division bench also rejected it, she had said she would file a plea in the apex court as the entire family was unhappy with the ongoing Kerala Police probe. The Pinarayi Vijayan-led state government, which had initially pledged support to Babu’s family, opposed the demand for a CBI probe during court proceedings. Naveen Babu, a reputed and upright officer, was found dead a day after his official farewell from Kannur. The controversy began when PP Divya, Kannur District Panchayat President and a CPI(M) leader, attended Babu’s farewell event uninvited and accused him of corruption. The family alleged that Divya’s remarks were politically motivated and caused immense distress to Babu. Divya, who was later arrested and briefly jailed in connection with the case, resigned from her position amidst mounting criticism. On both occasions, Manjusha's petition for a CBI probe cited irregularities in the investigation. The Kerala government opposed the plea, asserting that the state police's ongoing investigation was impartial and based on evidence. The government’s counsel argued that the demand for a CBI probe relied on assumptions without substantial proof. Divya’s corruption allegations against Babu stemmed from a delay in issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a petrol pump application by TV Prasanth, an electrician at the Kannur Medical College. Notably, Prasanth was reportedly a colleague of Divya’s husband, raising suspicions about personal motives behind the accusations. Amid the uproar following Babu’s death, Divya went into hiding but was arrested on October 29 after her anticipatory bail plea was rejected. She was released on bail on November 8. Meanwhile, on March 29, the police probing the case against Divya filed their charge sheet naming her as the lone accused. If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.Tamil NaduState health department's suicide helpline: 104Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)Andhra PradeshLife Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584KarnatakaSahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222KeralaMaithri: 0484 2540530Chaithram: 0484 2361161Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.TelanganaState government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pmAasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.24x7 Helpline: 9820466726Click here for working helplines across India.
A MONTH after a division bench of the Kerala High Court rejected the demand for a CBI probe into the death of Kannur Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu, who died by suicide at his official residence on October 15, his wife on Monday, April 14, filed a petition in the Supreme Court with the same demand.
In January, a single bench of the High Court rejected her plea and in March, the division bench also rejected her plea.
On both the occasions, Manjusha, Babu’s wife, expressed her sadness in her plea being rejected. On March 3, when the High Court division bench also rejected it, she had said she would file a plea in the apex court as the entire family was unhappy with the ongoing Kerala Police probe.
The Pinarayi Vijayan-led state government, which had initially pledged support to Babu’s family, opposed the demand for a CBI probe during court proceedings.
Naveen Babu, a reputed and upright officer, was found dead a day after his official farewell from Kannur.
The controversy began when PP Divya, Kannur District Panchayat President and a CPI(M) leader, attended Babu’s farewell event uninvited and accused him of corruption.
The family alleged that Divya’s remarks were politically motivated and caused immense distress to Babu. Divya, who was later arrested and briefly jailed in connection with the case, resigned from her position amidst mounting criticism.
On both occasions, Manjusha's petition for a CBI probe cited irregularities in the investigation.
The Kerala government opposed the plea, asserting that the state police's ongoing investigation was impartial and based on evidence.
The government’s counsel argued that the demand for a CBI probe relied on assumptions without substantial proof.
Divya’s corruption allegations against Babu stemmed from a delay in issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a petrol pump application by TV Prasanth, an electrician at the Kannur Medical College.
Notably, Prasanth was reportedly a colleague of Divya’s husband, raising suspicions about personal motives behind the accusations.
Amid the uproar following Babu’s death, Divya went into hiding but was arrested on October 29 after her anticipatory bail plea was rejected.
She was released on bail on November 8. Meanwhile, on March 29, the police probing the case against Divya filed their charge sheet naming her as the lone accused.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.
