'Refused leave, strict restrictions, delayed transfer'; District collector invites ire from Naveen's family

PATHANAMTHITTA: It is reported that the relatives of ADM Naveen Babu have given statements against the Kannur Collector over Naveen's suicide. According to the family, the collector ADM relationship was far from ‘amicable’. The collector never granted leave to Naveen despite requests while Naveen's release was delayed even after receiving the transfer order. Naveen had once shared this information with his family members.

The family reacted in harsh words saying they were not ready to entertain the confessions of the collector and said that Naveen experienced serious mental stress under the collector's leadership.

The family believe this rift to have made the collector decide not to attend the last rites of Naveen. Last Thursday, the police recorded the statement of Naveen’s wife, two children and brother, which lasted for five hours. Land Revenue Joint Commissioner A Geetha IAS has been tasked with further investigation into the events leading to the death of ADM.

The Kannur Collector has been transferred from the charge of further investigation. The Collector had given a preliminary report in favour of the ADM. However, after allegations from the family, the responsibility of further investigation was transferred to another official.