ADM Naveen Babu's death: A year of unanswered questions

KANNUR: Today marks one year since ADM K. Naveen Babu was found hanging in his quarters at Pallikunnu, Kannur. His family’s demand to clear the mystery behind his death still remains unanswered.

Naveen Babu had only seven months left before retirement and had recently received a transfer to his hometown, which he had long desired. Before leaving, he attended a farewell meeting to thank his colleagues. During the event, Kannur District Panchayat President Divya publicly humiliated him, despite not being invited to the program. The allegation that he took a bribe deeply hurt his self-respect, leaving him devastated.

On October 14, 2024, after the farewell meeting, his driver Shamsudheen dropped him near the railway station around 6 p.m. However, there is no CCTV footage or evidence showing how or when Naveen Babu reached his quarters, where he was later found hanging. There is also no trace of him travelling by taxi or auto-rickshaw.

Prashanthan, an electrician at Pariyaram Medical College and a controversial petrol pump applicant, had accused Naveen Babu of accepting a Rs 98,500 bribe at his quarters. The family alleges that Prashanthan, who did not have the financial means to start a Rs 4 crore project, was being used by others. They also claim the letter he reportedly sent to the Chief Minister was fabricated.

According to the inquiry report by Land Revenue Commissioner A. Geetha, there was no evidence that Naveen Babu accepted any bribe. The Vigilance Special Cell’s report also found no proof of any money being exchanged. Thalassery Sessions Judge K.T. Nisar Ahmed similarly noted that corruption could not be proven.

Party support withdrawn

Though the CPM initially promised to support Naveen Babu’s family, it later backed out. The state government opposed the family’s demand for a CBI inquiry, both in the High Court and the Supreme Court. The family’s plea to transfer District Collector Arun K. Vijayan, whom they accused of mentally harassing Naveen Babu, was also ignored.

The Thalassery Additional Sessions Court will consider Naveen Babu’s wife Manjusha’s petition seeking further investigation into his death on December 16.