Thiruvananthapuram: The state cabinet has recommended a CBI investigation into the death of additional district magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu. The cabinet also approved compassionate employment for his elder daughter, Niranjana, considering the request made by the bereaved family.The decision was taken by the UDF govt amid continuing demands from Babu’s family for a central agency probe into the circumstances surrounding his death. According to the chargesheet filed in the case, the sole accused is P P Divya, a CPM functionary and former president of the Kannur district panchayat. CPM had earlier opposed efforts to transfer the case to the CBI. Earlier, the plea made by the family before the high court seeking a CBI probe was turned down. The family had expressed dissatisfaction with the probe made by the previous LDF govt.Babu’s death happened shortly after a controversial farewell function held on Oct 14, where Divya, then the district panchayat president, publicly criticized him. The remarks, made at an event she reportedly attended without invitation, triggered widespread controversy and are believed to have deeply affected the senior official. Witnesses said the farewell function, which was meant to mark Babu’s transfer, turned contentious after Divya’s allegations. Distressed by the developments, Babu reportedly left the collectorate without even collecting the gifts presented to him during the event.He had booked a ticket on the Malabar Express scheduled to depart at 8:55pm the same day for his hometown. However, when relatives waiting at Chengannur learned that he had not arrived on the train, they alerted officials in Kannur. Subsequently, the ADM’s driver went to his residence at Pallikkunnu to check on him and found him dead. The incident sparked statewide debate and demands for a thorough and impartial investigation.Family thanks govt, hopes for a fair probeMeanwhile, Babu’s wife Manjusha conveyed the family’s gratitude to the chief minister, who stood by them. Babu’s brother Praveen Babu said they thank the govt for recommending the order so quickly and hope for a honest investigation. He added that he is pleased the order recommending CBI probe came soon after they submitted the petition and that he wanted the CBI to carry out a scientific investigation.Praveen said an impartial inquiry is the victim’s right and that the conspiracy must be brought to light. “We are not pursuing this to get anyone punished. A neutral investigation is the victim’s right. The conspiracy must come out. We have no politics, we are only seeking justice. If there is nothing to fear, why is the opposition objecting to a CBI probe? During the Left’s tenure, the govt opposed a CBI probe. The Supreme Court did not refuse a CBI investigation based on the merits of the case, but it was because of the Left govt’s stance. We have raised our suspicions in the court. All call detail records must be collected,” he said.CBI caged parrot: CPMMeanwhile, CPM Pathanamthitta district secretary Raju Abraham said CBI is a “caged parrot” and a “weapon to suppress political opponents”. “Congress and others have used it as a political weapon. The party’s state leadership will state its position on the CBI investigation in the Naveen Babu case. The party stands with the family. The state secretary himself said so earlier. It was the party that removed Divya from the post of district panchayat president. The LDF govt also took all necessary steps to deliver justice to Babu’s family,” Abraham said.
