Kannur

A Kerala court dealt a blow to the ruling CPI-M party on Tuesday by rejecting party leader P.P. Divya’s anticipatory bail application in the case surrounding the suicide of Kannur Additional District Magistrate Naveen Babu. The Thalassery court issued a brief order stating that Divya’s bail plea was denied.

Babu was discovered hanging in his home on October 15, and following Divya’s remarks about corruption during a speech on October 14, a case was filed against her on October 17. Since then, she has been evading authorities. Divya’s comments are alleged to have contributed to Babu’s tragic decision to take his own life.

Babu’s brother, a lawyer, expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling, emphasizing their commitment to a fair legal process. He indicated that if Divya sought relief from the High Court, they would file an affidavit opposing it. Babu’s wife also called for Divya’s arrest, asserting that while her husband was not without flaws, he was known for his integrity in the department.

Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan criticized the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for allegedly shielding Divya, claiming that the government’s actions have undermined law and order. In court, Divya’s attorney argued she did not intend to harm Babu and was simply discussing corruption, while the prosecution opposed her bail plea.