Memo for being half an hour late, no leave even on Sunday: Employees' statement against Collector

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the ongoing investigation led by Joint Commissioner of Land Revenue A Geeta into the death of ADM Naveen Babu, staff from the Collectorate have testified against Collector Arun K Vijayan. According to their testimony, there were longstanding tensions between the Collector and the ADM, with employees stating that Naveen Babu did not maintain a good rapport with Vijayan.

The staff disclosed that their strained relationship began on the first day of Naveen Babu’s service as ADM in Kannur, when he reportedly received a memo from Vijayan for arriving half an hour late. The two were reportedly estranged from that point forward. The Collector’s strict approach to leave requests, along with his directive for Naveen to work on a Sunday, allegedly contributed to Babu’s psychological distress, according to staff testimonies.

Collectorate employees also recalled an incident following allegations raised by former district panchayat president, P.P. Divya, during a farewell event. They claimed that Naveen Babu later confided that he had made a mistake. Naveen Babu’s wife Manjusha, had previously stated that her husband had no relationship with the Collector, asserting that Vijayan’s statements were untrue.

P.P. Divya, who was arrested in connection with the case, confirmed that she attended the farewell event at the Collector's invitation, though Vijayan has denied inviting her.