CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan visits former ADM Naveen Babu’s bereaved family in Pathanamthitta

CPI(M) supports family of deceased official amid political storm, investigations ongoing, opposition parties criticize ruling party leader's actions.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] State Secretary M.V. Govindan on Sunday (October 20, 2024) conveyed the ruling party’s unflinching support to the family of deceased Additional District Magistrate, Kannur, Naveen Babu. 

Babu’s suspected death by suicide on the eve of his transfer to Pathanamthitta following allegedly disparaging public remarks against him by CPI(M) leader and former District Panchayat President, Kannur, P.P. Divya, had triggered a political storm.

Babu’s death caused a public outcry and wrongfooted the ruling party and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in the run-up to the crucial by-elections in Chelakkara and Palakkad Assembly constituencies and the Wayanad Lok Sabha segment in November. 

Mr Govindan said the police and revenue department were investigating Ms. Divya and others concerning the unnatural death. The CPI(M) and government were sworn to bring those responsible to justice. 

When asked whether the CPI(M) would initiate any disciplinary action against Ms. Divya, Mr. Govindan said: “It’s an organisational issue concerning the CPI(M). The party had removed Ms Divya as District Panchayat president since her continuation in office was a public issue”. 

Mr. Govindan denied reports that parties in Kannur and Pathanamthitta were at odds over Babu’s death. He said CPI(M) district secretary, Kannur, M.V. Jayarajan, had accompanied Babu’s body to his home in Pathanamthitta. The CPI(M) district secretary, Pathanamthitta, K.P. Udayabhanu, had expressed solidarity with Babu’s family at the outset. 

Ms. Divya also faced criticism from within the ruling party, the opposition Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).