Sat Mar 08 15:36:31 UTC 2025: ## Inquiry Clears Former ADM of Corruption in Suicide Case, Points to Uninvited Guest
**Thiruvananthapuram, March 8, 2025** – A revenue department inquiry into the death of former Additional District Magistrate (ADM) K. Naveen Babu has found no evidence of corruption related to a petrol pump NOC, dismissing allegations made by some parties, including the applicant. The report, submitted by Joint Commissioner of Land Revenue A. Geetha, also refuted claims of delays in issuing the NOC.
However, the inquiry, which was focused on the corruption allegations, recommended a police investigation into the “cause and reasons” for Babu’s suicide, deeming it outside the scope of its mandate. Babu’s wife, Manjula, who is pursuing a CBI inquiry through the Supreme Court, welcomed the report’s exoneration on corruption charges, stating it bolsters their fight for justice.
The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB), in response to an RTI query, confirmed receiving no complaints against Babu regarding the NOC.
The report notably highlights the presence of P.P. Divya, the then Kannur district panchayat president, who faces abetment of suicide charges, at Babu’s farewell function. Divya’s appearance was described as “uninvited” and “unannounced,” with her brief speech reportedly leaving Babu visibly upset. The inquiry included video evidence of Divya’s speech, which had circulated online. The report also noted multiple contacts between Divya’s office and the District Collector’s office on the day of the farewell. The report cites the staff council secretary as stating that the farewell was an internal affair with no outside invitations issued.
First Piper 