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The arrest and subsequent judicial custody of former Kannur district panchayat president P.P. Divya in connection with the suicide of Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu highlights a complex legal case with significant political undertones. Divya, a Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader, was apprehended after a 13-day period of evasion from authorities. The case revolves around allegations that her actions, specifically a farewell speech delivered at the Collectorate shortly before Naveen’s death, contributed to his suicide.
The Thalassery Sessions Court denied Divya’s anticipatory bail application based on compelling evidence presented by the prosecution. The court found that Divya’s defense, which claimed her presence at the farewell meeting was solely due to an invitation, did not absolve her of potential responsibility. The prosecution argued that Divya’s speech publicly humiliated Naveen, ultimately leading to his tragic decision. While Divya asserted that her speech aimed to address corruption, the court refuted this, highlighting the orchestrated nature of the event and the subsequent dissemination of a video recording. The court also noted the absence of concrete evidence supporting Divya’s claims of corruption against Naveen.
The court’s decision to remand Divya into judicial custody underscores the gravity of the allegations against her and the potential for her political influence to impact witness testimonies. The judge cited the Supreme Court judgment, Sumita Pradeep v. Arun Kumar, to emphasize the importance of custodial interrogation in such cases. The judge's decision to reject anticipatory bail, based on the weight of evidence and potential for interference, reflects the serious nature of the accusations and the need for further investigation.
The case continues to unfold, with Divya currently housed in the women’s section of the Kannur Central Jail. The investigation, overseen by the Crime Branch, will likely delve deeper into the events leading up to Naveen’s suicide, including the content of Divya’s speech, the alleged corruption claims, and the impact of the events on Naveen’s mental state. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding suicide and the potential consequences of actions, even if unintentionally harmful.
Source: ADM’s death: Divya remanded in judicial custody for 14 days