ADM Naveen Babu not involved in corruption: K Rajan

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan said on Sunday that his department has wrapped up an internal investigation into the death of former Kannur Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu, and the report has been submitted.

Naveen Babu, a former Kannur Additional District Magistrate, had allegedly taken his own life after being accused of corruption by P P Divya, the former Kannur District Panchayat President, at his farewell event.

Speaking to reporters, Rajan clarified it as a "fact-finding inquiry," initiated after claims that the senior official had been involved in corruption and had intentionally delayed a file.

His statement came after reports emerged that the Revenue Department's inquiry, led by Land Revenue Joint Commissioner A. Geetha, found no evidence of corruption against the late Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu.

“The Land Revenue Joint Commissioner conducted the inquiry, and based on facts and documents, it was established that ADM Naveen Babu was not involved in any corruption,” Rajan said.

He added that the government had closed the file after reviewing the report, which was also examined by the chief minister and himself, and he had responded to the media five months ago itself.

Although the police are still investigating other aspects of the case, the Revenue Department's findings can be used by the investigating agency to aid in their inquiry.

The department's report suggests the accused, former Kannur District Panchayat president Divya, had pre-planned her arrival at Naveen Babu's farewell meeting. However, Rajan clarified that the revenue department cannot investigate any conspiracy linked to the case, as it falls under the police's jurisdiction.

Asked to comment on the progress of the ongoing police investigation, Rajan chose not to comment, citing that the matter is currently before the court.

"Let the investigation be completed. Our current belief is that justice will be served to Naveen Babu's family. If not, we can examine the matter at that time," he said.

Earlier, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam said the government had deputed a senior revenue official to submit a report on the matter, underscoring the Left government's commitment to the issue.

"The truth will come out, and those responsible should be punished," he told media.

Asked about the demand for a CBI probe by Babu's family, Viswam has expressed his solidarity with them.

The family has already approached the Kerala High Court to request a CBI investigation.

At his farewell function on October 14 last year, CPI(M) leader Divya allegedly attended uninvited and criticised Naveen Babu for delaying approval of a petrol pump project in Chengalai, implying that his sudden approval after transfer was suspicious. Divya was later arrested by police after her anticipatory bail plea was rejected by a lower court.

(inputs from PTI)