Kannur: Finally breaking the silence on the PP Divya issue that has embarrassed the government as well as the CPI(M), Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that strict action would be taken against P P Divya if she is found guilty in the case related to the suicide of Kannur ADM Naveen Babu.
Speaking at the LDF meeting at the AKG Bhavan, CM said the former Kannur District Panchayat President would not receive any protection, and there would be no interference in the police investigation. He added that the police investigation is expected to be completed soon, and based on the report’s findings, further action will be taken.
The police has already registered a case against Divya, and the investigation is underway. Pinarayi Vijayan also urged leaders to stand by Naveen Babu’s family and avoid making statements implying the government was not supporting them. The Kannur unit of the CPI(M) had earlier stood along with Divya, however later issued support to the family of Naveen Babu saying that there will be a probe into the entire matter. There was a major friction within the party where leaders from Pathanamthitta and other areas had totally snubbed PP Divya and had made it clear that stringent action should be initiated against the CPI(M) leader from Kannur.
The police have charged Divya with abettment of suicide, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The Kannur police will submit a report to the court, naming Divya as an accused.
Naveen Babu was found dead at his official quarters in Kannur. He died a day after Divya accused him of corruption for allegedly delaying the issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NoC) to Prashanthan, an entrepreneur seeking to start a petrol pump in Chengalayi, Kannur.
After the police registered the case, CPM forced Divya to resign as president of the Kannur district panchayat. Announcing her decision to resign from the role of district panchayat president through Facebook, Divya said she would fully cooperate with the police investigation.
“I will prove my innocence through legal means. Though my criticism was well-intentioned, I agree with the party’s position that certain parts should have been omitted from my remarks. Convinced that it is only appropriate to step down from the post of District Panchayat President, I hereby tender my resignation,” she had then posted.
Meanwhile, PP Divya is still ‘missing’ as per the police as they are yet to take her statements.
