'Check phone conversations between Collector and Divya'; Collector turns against ADM Naveen Babu

KANNUR: Kannur district collector Arun K Vijayan made a late confession against ADM Naveen Babu. This is now shrouded in mystery and is doubted as a last-bit attempt to save CPM functionary PP Divya.

For many weeks, the collector met journalists and reiterated about not inviting PP Divya to the event. But not even once did he confess ADM secretly admitting the wrong (taking bribe) to him.

The collector's report to the revenue minister the day after Naveen's death also did not contain this reference. The Joint Commissioner of Land Revenue, who conducted the departmental enquiry, was not informed about this.

The collector’s rare move to reveal the details only to the police raises doubts over a shady game going on behind the curtains. After Divya's arrest, the defence filed this statement in the bail petition filed in the Sessions Court. Congress, the Muslim League, and BJP came forward against the collector's statement.

At the same time, there are also talks within the revenue department to send the collector on leave.

It is alleged that the collector had repeatedly enquired with many members of the staff council about the timing of the farewell function. Some believe the collector wanted to inform Divya about the timing, so he kept on ensuring the timing with the organizers.

According to employees, it is normal for the collector to vent anger at subordinates. It is also alleged that there is no access to the collector's chamber except for top officials.

“The phone conversations between the collector and Divya should be checked. The role of the collector should come out. The collector told the police what was not said even in the departmental investigation.” Said Adv. Martin George.