Govt Considers Crime Branch investigation to avert CBI probe in former Kannur ADM's death

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government is reportedly considering handing over the investigation into the death of former Kannur ADM Naveen Babu to the Crime Branch. This move is seen as an attempt to preempt the possibility of a CBI probe into the case. A high-level investigation led by the Crime Branch IG is likely to be announced.

This strategy mirrors past cases where the government bypassed CBI involvement. For instance, in the disappearance of prominent Kozhikode real estate businessman Muhammed Attoor (Mami), the Malappuram SP recommended a CBI probe. However, the government handed over the case to the Crime Branch instead. Similarly, in March, when the High Court ordered a CBI investigation into the death of Siddharthan from Pookkode Veterinary College, officials delayed handing over documents to the CBI.

The ADM's death has links to a petrol pump permit involving central agencies like BPCL, the Chennai Explosives Controller and the District Collector—a central All India Service officer. This raises the likelihood of a CBI probe, as the High Court considers petitions on the matter. The court’s direction will be pivotal in determining the investigating agency.

Under Indian law, the CBI can take over any case as per the directives of the High Court or Supreme Court. The state government must provide necessary assistance and facilities. However, the Kerala government has revoked general consent for the CBI to register cases autonomously. Now, the CBI needs explicit permission for each case, barring automatic jurisdiction in state-specific corruption or custodial death cases involving local police.

The CBI's recent successes have highlighted its role in unraveling deep conspiracies. In the decades-old espionage case, the agency exposed a 30-year-old plot and named five senior officials, including two former DGPs, as accused. This landmark investigation followed a Supreme Court directive.