Kerala court denies anticipatory bail to PP Divya in a case involving alleged abetment to suicide, ruling against her plea for pre-arrest protection. The decision follows allegations that Divya played a role in the circumstances leading to the individual’s death, intensifying the legal scrutiny surrounding the case.

A Kerala court has turned down anticipatory bail for PP Divya, the former President of the Kannur District Panchayat, in a high-profile case where she is accused of abetting the suicide of Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu. The Thalassery Sessions Court delivered its decision this morning, intensifying the scrutiny on Divya’s alleged role in the tragic incident. The case stems from claims that Divya’s remarks, made publicly during a farewell event, allegedly pressured Babu, leading to his death.
Divya, a prominent member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], had allegedly leveled bribery accusations against ADM Babu at his farewell ceremony. She claimed that Babu had delayed a no-objection certificate (NOC) for a petrol pump project until a bribe was paid, an accusation that reportedly left Babu distressed. The ADM was found deceased in his official residence in Kannur the next morning, just before he was scheduled to take up his new post as Pathanamthitta ADM. He had been working outside his home district for years and was only months from retirement, adding a tragic dimension to the incident.
In response to the allegations, Divya was swiftly removed from her position as district panchayat president. She subsequently sought anticipatory bail, arguing that her statements addressed existing concerns about administrative efficiency and alleged corruption, not to target or distress personally ADM Babu. In her plea, she explained that her comments aligned with her duties and were not intended to harm Babu. She emphasized that her attendance at the farewell was at the invitation of Kannur District Collector Arun K Vijayan and asserted her comments were made without malice.
Additionally, Divya highlighted past complaints of bribery filed against Babu by individuals named Gangadaran and Prashanth, suggesting that her remarks merely echoed concerns raised by others rather than introducing new accusations. Divya’s plea further noted her need to care for her elderly parents and stressed her willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Represented by Advocate K Viswan, Divya presented her case before the court. In contrast, ADM Naveen Babu’s family was represented by Advocates John S Ralph and PM Sajitha, with Public Prosecutor K Ajith Kumar arguing on behalf of the state. The case has garnered significant public attention due to the sensitive nature of the charges, the political connections involved, and the implications it holds for public accountability in Kerala’s administrative circles.
The court’s rejection of Divya’s anticipatory bail plea marks a pivotal turn in the case, potentially setting the stage for her arrest as the investigation unfolds. The case continues to highlight complex issues around accountability, the impact of public remarks by officials, and the legal consequences of such statements in the context of alleged abetment to suicide.