Naveen Babu, the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Kannur, Kerala, was found dead at his official quarters in Pallikunnu on Tuesday, just a day after a farewell ceremony. Babu, who was set to assume his new post as ADM in Pathanamthitta, was discovered hanging at his residence.
The death came to light after Babu's family members alerted Kannur authorities that he did not come to railway station as per schedule on Monday. When officials checked the residence, they found him dead, as reported by The Hindu.
The farewell event on Monday, attended by his colleagues, including the Kannur District Collector, took an unexpected turn when District Panchayat President P.P. Divya, a member of the ruling CPI(M), made serious allegations against Babu, as reported by PTI. Divya, who reportedly attended the event without an official invitation, accused the ADM of delaying the approval of a petrol pump in Chengalai for several months. She further alleged that Babu had granted approval just two days before his transfer, insinuating ulterior motives behind the timing.
During her speech, Divya hinted that more revelations about the issue would emerge in the coming days. Following her address, she refused to participate in the presentation of a memento and left the stage.
Babu was scheduled to return to his home district of Pathanamthitta on Monday to assume his new role, but his untimely death has left the community in shock. Police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, and the body has been sent for post-mortem. Authorities are also looking into the recent allegations made against him to determine whether they played a role in his tragic demise.
The incident has raised questions about the pressures faced by government officials and the impact of public accusations on their well-being.
(Those facing mental health issues or have suicidal feelings can seek emotional support with helpline numbers from suicide prevention organizations in the state. Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre: 044 24640050)