Naveen Babu's case handed over to CBI; decision in cabinet meet, compassionate appointment for daughter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will now investigate the death of Naveen Babu, who was the ADM of Kannur. The decision was taken in the cabinet meet convened here on Thursday. It was also decided to provide a compassionate appointment to his daughter. The order in this regard will be issued today itself.

The action was taken considering the demand of Naveen Babu's family. Naveen Babu's family had met Chief Minister V D Satheesan, demanding that the case be handed over

to the CBI. This is the first case the UDF government has handed over to the CBI. P P Divya is the lone accused in the case filed by the police.

The police had recently submitted the investigation report of Naveen Babu case to the court, adding 13 new witnesses. People including officials have been newly added to the witness list. The entire CCTV footage near the ADM's quarters was also presented. The prosecution requested the court to conduct a scientific examination to confirm the authenticity of the visuals.

The Kannur Town Police conducted further investigation and submitted a report to the trial court on a plea filed by Naveen Babu's wife Manjusha. The investigation team also recorded the statements of the vigilance officials in the complaint filed against ADM Naveen Babu. Manjusha approached the court seeking further investigation, citing 13 errors in the charge sheet filed by the police. Naveen Babu was found hanging in his quarters in the early hours of October 15, 2024.