Naveen Babu may have been murdered, conspiracy took place, family seeks CBI probe; HC to consider Naveen's wife's plea today

KOCHI: The CPM in Pathanamthitta and the state government found themselves on the defensive after K Manjusha, the wife of former Kannur ADM Naveen Babu, filed a plea in the High Court seeking a CBI probe into her husband's death. In her plea, Manjusha alleged that her husband may have been murdered and that a massive conspiracy had taken place behind the incident. Justice Bechu Kurain Thomas's bench will consider the plea today.

Manjusha alleged in her petition that the Special Investigation Team was trying to protect former Kannur district panchayat president PP Divya, the only accused in the case. She also alleged that the District Collector had also yielded before Divya's strong influence. Manjusha raised this allegation by pointing out the statement later made by Collector Arun K Vijayan saying that Naveen had told him that he had made some mistakes.

According to Manjusha, Divya's speech at the farewell ceremony and the letter fabricated in the name of petrol pump applicant Prashanthan were part of the conspiracy. Divya, who said that Naveen was a corrupt official, even brought a cameraman to capture her speech and circulate it all over the state. The video was even sent to the office in Pathanamthitta district where Naveen Babu was supposed to join. All these things are creating suspicions about Naveen Babu's death.

The Special Investigation Team is not showing any interest in collecting scientific evidence. The officers are trying to cover up the evidence. Naveen's colleagues are unwilling to speak the truth due to fear of Divya, who has political influence. Therefore, the petition filed through Advocate John S. Ralph requests a CBI investigation into the matter. The petition also includes an interim plea to stay the submission of the final report by the special investigation team. Additionally, a public interest litigation filed by Muraleedharan Koncherillam has also been submitted to the court.