PP Divya likely to evade police until bail ruling in ADM suicide case; CPM in wait-and-watch mode

A case was registered against former district panchayat president for abetment to suicide in connection with the death of ADM Naveen Babu. After this, Divya went into hiding.

Through her counsel, she presented detailed arguments to the court last week for interim bail. Divya reportedly received legal advice that there was no need to appear before the police. In addition, the police investigating the case will not consider an arrest until a decision has been made on the bail application. Thalassery Principal Sessions Court will announce the verdict on the interim bail plea on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the CPM state secretariat in Thrissur has decided to wait until the bail verdict is announced before taking further action against Divya. However, it is learned that during the Kannur district development committee meeting, a heated discussion took place over the delay in Divya’s arrest. Representatives of Congress MPs protested and urged the adoption of a resolution to arrest all offenders. Ultimately the resolution was passed.

Interestingly, the protest took place at a meeting chaired by Collector Arun K. Vijayan, who had attended the meeting farewell meeting after which the ADM was found hanging.

Statements included
The investigation team continues to record statements regarding the death of ADM K. Naveen Babu. Statements have been recorded from six people, including the collector’s shooter, tax department officials and collection agency employees. The team inquired about the factors that led to the ADM’s suicide and Divya’s allegations.

Call to remove Divya from the Curriculum Committee
An appeal has been filed with the Chief Secretary seeking the removal of Divya from the core committee of the curriculum committee of the Ministry of General Education. The petition was filed by public activist Adv. Kulathoor Jaisingh. Though Divya has been removed from the post of district panchayat president, the appeal points out that this does not qualify her to remain on the core curriculum committee. The chief secretary informed that instructions have been issued to the director of general education for urgent action, Jaisingh reported.

New ADM arrives in Kannur on Wednesday
A new ADM will take office in Kannur on Wednesday. Padmachandran Kurupp, the new Special Deputy Collector (LA-NH) from Kollam, is the new ADM. The late ADM relinquished his responsibilities in Kannur on October 14.