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The tragic death of Kannur Deputy Collector Naveen Babu has cast a pall of grief over his hometown of Thazham, Kerala. While political controversies swirl around the suspected suicide, a sense of deep loss permeates the community. Since the news broke, a steady stream of relatives, colleagues, and friends have been arriving at his family home, offering their condolences and sharing memories of a man who was deeply respected for his integrity and dedication to public service.
Naveen's family has long-standing ties with the left-wing Communist Party of India (Marxist), and he was an active member of the Kerala Gazetted Officers Association. Despite his association with the party, his family asserts that he was a principled individual who refused to compromise his morals. A relative poignantly stated, “He was never a corrupt official. Some have unfairly portrayed him that way, but if you ask anyone from his workplaces, they will tell you the truth. He was not the kind of person to bend under pressure.”
The circumstances surrounding Naveen's death remain shrouded in mystery. He was scheduled to take charge as the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Pathanamthitta on Tuesday, and his family awaited his arrival at the Chengannur Railway Station. When he failed to arrive on the expected train, a sense of worry settled over them, culminating in the devastating news of his death. The body was scheduled to be brought to his ancestral home later that day.
The tragedy has sparked protests in Pathanamthitta, with various political parties, including the CPI(M), demanding a thorough investigation into the matter. The CPI(M) Pathanamthitta district committee is expected to raise the issue within the party. Anger has also been directed towards P.P. Divya, president of Kannur district panchayat, who has been accused of abetting the suicide. The NGO Association and the NGO Sangh staged protests at the Pathanamthitta District Collectorate, demanding action against Divya. The circumstances surrounding Naveen's death and the allegations against Divya necessitate a comprehensive and impartial investigation.
The loss of Naveen Babu is a tragedy not only for his family but for the entire community. He was a dedicated public servant who had a promising future ahead of him. His death has sparked a debate about the pressures and challenges faced by public officials, and the need to ensure their safety and well-being. It is imperative that the authorities conduct a thorough investigation into the matter to bring justice to Naveen and his family, and to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.