"Divya's shaming led to ADM Naveen Babu's suicide"; affidavit that charge of incitement is prima facie revealed

KOCHI: Police said that the reason for ADM Naveen Babu's suicide was public shaming by PP Divya, who was the president of Kannur district panchayat. "This was prima facie revealed in the investigation. Naveen was depicted as corrupt in front of his superior and colleagues. Divya threatened to reveal many things within two days. Due to this, Naveen was forced to commit suicide," said the affidavit filed by the investigating officer Kannur Town SHO Sreejith Koderi in the High Court.

Divya barged into the farewell meeting uninvited. Videos of ADM being shamed were recorded and circulated on social media. With this, Naveen, who was humiliated among the public, was under mental stress. The case is being investigated against Divya on charges of incitement. The call data of Divya's two phones was also collected. Divya's resignation from the post of Zilla Panchayat President was also verified. The accused does not currently hold a high position in the party or district panchayat. The allegation that CPM leaders are controlling the investigation is baseless.

The Thalassery court had denied anticipatory bail to Divya on October 29, after considering the evidence collected by the police and the strong arguments of the prosecution. According to the police affidavit, the accused surrendered at Kannapuram station on the same day. The explanation is in the petition filed by Naveen's wife Manjusha seeking a CBI probe into his death. However, the police have not given any justification for the delay in Divya's arrest. The High Court will hear the case again on the 12th. There is criticism that the police report whitewashes the CPM's involvement even when it partially mentions the mistakes on Divya's part.