Weak arguments by prosecution; PP Divya granted bail

KANNUR: The court has granted bail to former Kannur district panchayat president P P Divya arrested on charges of abetment to suicide, in connection with the death of ADM Naveen Babu. The Thalassery principal sessions court granted bail to Divya pointing out that the prosecution failed to establish that the accused, if released on bail, would influence the case. Divya came out on bail after remaining in jail for 11 days. The court, which heard the bail plea on Tuesday, postponed the verdict to today.

Divya claimed in the bail plea that she had cooperated with the investigation and that there was circumstantial evidence that the ADM had accepted a bribe. The defence lawyer argued that Divya's accusation was well-intentioned and the court agreed that she should have avoided talking like that at the farewell function.

Meanwhile, Naveen Babu's wife Manjusha responded that she expected that bail would not be granted to Divya. She said that she would discuss further steps with her lawyers and would respond later. Meanwhile, CPM leader P K Sreemathy came forward supporting Divya. She said Divya should get justice and that she is happy about the bail granted.

The party had recommended action against Divya at the organizational level the other day. The decision was taken in the emergency meeting of the CPM Kannur district committee convened yesterday. The meeting assessed Divya's act as a serious lapse. District committee member Divya will be removed from all elected posts in the party. The decision has been submitted to the state committee. If the decision is accepted, she will become a branch member. Divya will be demoted as Irinave Dam Branch Member of the Irinave Local Committee where she resides.

Immediately after the death of Naveen Babu, the Kannur District Committee assessed that Divya's was a well-intentioned move against corruption. Considering the CPM background of Naveen Babu's family and the strong stand of the Pathanamthitta District Committee, the Kannur District Committee changed its stance. Considering the by-elections, the district committee was forced to take a tough decision.

Bail conditions:

• Personal bail bond of Rs 1 lakh; must not leave Kannur district.
• Must appear before the investigation team on Mondays between 10 and 11 a.m.
• Must submit passport in the court; should not influence witnesses

Divya received by leaders
K Vishwan brought the bail order to the jail at 4 pm. Divya came out by 5 pm. She went to her house in Irinave with her lawyers. Kalliasseri Block Panchayat President PP Shajar, District Panchayat member KV Biju, and others came to receive her. Democratic Women's Association leaders N Sukanya, PK Shyamala, District Panchayat Vice President Binoy Kurian and PV Gopinath visited her in jail.