Kerala: Additional DM of Kannur found dead following corruption charge

A day after facing public accusations of corruption, Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Kannur, Naveen Babu, was found dead at his official residence in Pallikkunnu on Tuesday (October 15). The incident occurred a fay after serious allegations were raised against him during his farewell.

During the farewell function on Monday (October 14), Kannur district panchayat president and CPI(M) leader PP Divya accused the ADM of corruption related to the issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a petrol pump.

Addressing the gathering, which was attended by the district collector, Divya spoke about the importance of integrity in public service, pointedly referring to actions allegedly undertaken by Naveen Babu.

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NOC for petrol pump

In her speech, Divya disclosed her interactions with the ADM, claiming that she had contacted him multiple times regarding an NOC for a petrol pump in Chengalayi. “I asked him to visit the site, and he later informed me that he had done so. However, the applicant repeatedly complained about delays,” she said.

She further alleged that the ADM had initially cited the area’s curviness as a reason for withholding the NOC but later approved it before his transfer. “While it’s good that the NOC was eventually granted, I know exactly how it was obtained,” she remarked, adding sarcastically, “I am here to thank him for that.”

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CPI(M) leader’s hint

Concluding her speech, Divya hinted that the official was likely to face repercussions soon. “Government service can change in a moment, and we should act accordingly. I will leave before refreshments are served — you will understand why in two days,” she said cryptically.

Naveen Babu was found hanging in his quarters the following day, leaving behind questions about the fallout from the accusations made at his farewell. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is underway.

The allegation

The allegation came from Prasanth TV, a native of Kannur, who said he had applied for an NOC for a petrol pump obtained through the OBC quota. He alleged that the ADM demanded and accepted a bribe of Rs 1,00,000 to issue the certificate. He claimed to have informed the district panchayat president about the incident.

"I had been pursuing this for six months, but the ADM unnecessarily delayed the process. He only signed the file after I handed over the money. I had complained to PP Divya, but the ADM ignored her instructions. When I told her that he took a bribe, she advised me to file a formal complaint with the CMO, which I did. I believe this is what she referred to in her speech," Prasanth told the media.

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