Following the tragic demise of Kannur Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu after his farewell ceremony that saw the District Panchayat President P P Divya making corruption allegations against the officer, his brother, Praveen Babu, today lodged a complaint, calling for an investigation into his sibling’s death.

Naveen Babu was found hanging at his residence on Tuesday, a day after the farewell ceremony. He was set to take charge of his new role as ADM in his home district of Pathanamthitta. During the farewell event, the district president left the dais after leveling corruption allegations against the officer. However, the deceased’s brother has accused Divya of raising false allegations against Praveen Babu, humiliating him before the public, which purportedly led to his suicide. He also demanded an investigation into the role of Divya.

Read Also: “Mysterious”: How A Man Lodged In Gujarat Jail Threaten, Carry Out Contract Killing In Mumbai

During her speech at the ADM’s farewell, Divya accused the officer of delaying a petrol pump approval while suggesting that she knew the reason behind the sudden approval, adding that more details would come out in the coming days. She also refused to remain on the dais for the presentation of memento to the outgoing ADM. The developments turned the event gloomy, casting doubt on the officer. Notably, Divya was not invited to the event, and she attended the function allegedly to express her anger with the outgoing ADM’s tenure. A complainant against the ADM later alleged that the officer asked Rs 1 lakh for issuing a Non-Objection Certificate to his entity.

Read Also: Baba Siddique Murder Case: Ossification Test Confirms Accused Not A Minor

Naveen Babu was supposed to leave for his home at Pathanamthitta after the farewell function. After the ceremony, Babu appeared depressed, according to his driver. Instead of going to the railway station, Babu made the driver stop midway, saying that a friend of his would come there to meet him. Not having any information about the officer as his phone was unreachable, the family informed the driver, who reached his quarters, and found Babu dead. It was then only that the neighbours too knew that Babu had come to his apartment the day before.

Divya serves as the state joint secretary of the CPI(M) women’s wing, the All India Democratic Women’s Association. The left party has reacted to the development, saying that though the criticism were well-intentioned, making the  remark during the farewell could have been avoided.

Following the death of the officer, political parties, including Congress, have accused Divya of abetting suicide while calling for thorough investigation. The Kerala Human Rights Commission has registered a case in connection with the incident.

(This news story may contain content related to suicide and suicidal behaviour. Such topics can be sensitive and may trigger emotional responses. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviours, we urge you to seek help immediately. Contact your local mental health crisis hotline, a mental health professional, or a trusted person in your life. You may call 14416 or 1-8008914416 for the Tele MANAS service, a comprehensive mental health care service by the Government of India.)