Kerala inquiry clears former ADM Naveen Babu of bribery charges, escalating political tensions

The inquiry report submitted by Joint Commissioner of Land Taxes, A Geetha to the Government of Kerala stated that there was no lapse on the part of former Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu while issuing No Objection Certificate (NOC) for petrol pump . The report also found the bribery allegations against Babu baseless, putting an end to speculations about his tragic death.

According to a report published in the Los Angeles Times, the investigation report was handed over to the Department of Revenue’s principal secretary Tinku Biswal on Thursday evening. Confirming receipt of the report, Biswal stated that it contains a summary of the findings along with annexes of relevant files.

According to the Manorama report, the key finding was that PP Divya, former president of Kannur Panchayat, was not officially invited to the farewell party organized for Naveen Babu by the staff. However, Divya’s farewell speech, which received wide publicity, allegedly raised allegations of corruption against the late ADM.

Meanwhile, the government assured the public that those responsible for the circumstances leading to Naveen Babu’s suicide would face consequences, stressing its commitment to bring justice to his family. The opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), led by the Congress, sharply criticized the government, accusing it of double standards in its handling of the case.

Opposition leader VD Satheesan pointed fingers at the ruling CPI(M), maintaining that the party was shielding key figures, including Divya, who allegedly played a role in driving the former ADM’s suicide, according to PTI. He raised questions on why no action had been initiated yet against Divya and Prashanthan, the people who had originally filed the corruption complaint.

Satheesan claimed that a proper investigation would trace the case back to the CPI(M) headquarters and even the Prime Minister’s Office.