No evidence to indicate homicide, SIT tells HC

Kochi: The special investigation team (SIT) probing the death of former Kannur ADM Naveen Babu has filed a counter affidavit in the high court asserting that there is no evidence to indicate homicide in the case.The counter affidavit was filed by SHO Sreejith Koderi on behalf of the SIT in response to a petition by Babu's wife K Manjusha seeking a CBI probe into the case. He termed the claim that the police in Kannur district are influenced by CPM leaders as baseless. The SHO also denied the accusation that P P Divya, the accused in the case, has undue influence over the SIT, noting that Divya is neither a district panchayat president nor holds any official position within the CPM.The affidavit stated that Divya allegedly insulted Naveen Babu by making serious corruption allegations against him in the presence of his superiors and subordinates, intruding into an official function without invitation. It further alleged that she threatened to expose him within two days, recorded the incident, and propagated the visuals on social media, causing public humiliation. According to the SHO, this led to a mental strain on Naveen Babu, ultimately resulting in his suicide by hanging at his residential quarters.The SHO refuted claims of procedural lapses in the probe, asserting that the SIT's formation and its operations were lawful. He denied the allegation that the inquest was conducted hastily without the presence of close relatives, citing a govt order mandating that inquests be completed within four hours in general cases, and within five hours in exceptional cases.The affidavit details the investigative measures taken, including the collection and analysis of CCTV footage from the vicinity of the collectorate, Muneeswaran Kovil, railway station, and the area around the official quarters. Call detail records of the accused, the Kannur collector, and one Prasanthan were also obtained and examined. The SHO clarified that Prasanthan was not made an accused due to the lack of evidence connecting him to a conspiracy.
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