THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the death of ADM Naveen Babu is extremely sad. The chief minister, who kept mum since the incident turned controversial, responded publicly on the ninth day of the incident. Strong action will be taken to prevent such things from happening again, the chief minister said while inaugurating the meet of the secretariat employees’ association.

‘The government will protect people working fearlessly and fairly. Will allow no one to question one’s self-esteem. Such a tragedy should not happen in the state again. A strong stand will be taken on the issue. There should be no delay in the movement of files between departments. The employees should take a decision on the things to be decided by them. Don’t wait unnecessarily for opinions. Don’t delay files without taking a decision. Transfers will be made online completely. Transfers will be according to one’s merit,’ he said.

Meantime, the departmental investigation report prepared by land revenue joint commissioner Geetha A in connection with the suicide of the ADM will be handed over today. The report will be handed over to revenue minister without taking the statement of P P Divya, the accused in the incident.

Geetha, who returned to the capital city after completing her departmental inquiry, was busy in completing the report yesterday. It is hinted that there are no lapses from the side of the ADM in issuing NOC for the petrol pump. As the cabinet meet is convened here today, the revenue minister had directed Geetha to submit the report before that. It is not clear whether the report will go for the consideration of the cabinet.

Minister K Rajan had the other day justified Naveen Babu. The minister reiterated that Naveen Babu is an excellent officer. However, Prasanthan, who applied for the petrol pump, gave a statement to the joint commissioner of land revenue that he had given bribe to Naveen Babu. The report is also crucial for collector Arun K Vijayan.