In a recent hearing, the Kerala High Court suggested that the investigation into the alleged suicide of ADM Babu should be monitored by a senior police officer. This recommendation was made by Justice Kauser Edappagath during a plea by Babu’s widow, who has sought the transfer of the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The court, however, stated that the necessity of a CBI investigation must first be determined. This would require a review of the case diary to verify if the current investigation is proceeding correctly. The court has granted the prosecution additional time to submit the case diary, with the next hearing scheduled for December 12.
This directive follows an earlier order from November 27, where the court required the prosecution to submit the case diary and a detailed affidavit by December 6. However, the prosecution requested more time during the recent hearing.
Babu’s widow has expressed concerns that the investigation may be influenced due to the significant political connections of the accused, P P Divya, a former president of the Kannur District Panchayat. Allegations have been made suggesting that the investigation has not shown any substantial progress, with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed for the probe reportedly failing to make any significant efforts in gathering crucial evidence.
The backdrop of this case involves serious allegations made by Divya against Babu at a farewell function, which reportedly led to his tragic death the following day. Divya accused Babu of procedural delays in approving a petrol pump project, suggesting corrupt practices were involved. This incident purportedly occurred on October 14, and Babu was found deceased at his quarters in Kannur the next day.
Following these events, Divya was removed from her post, arrested for abetment of suicide, and, after initially being denied bail, was later granted regular bail by a sessions court on November 8.
