Kannur: After staying in hiding for the past two weeks, PP Divya, Kannur district Panchayat president has surrendered before the police hours after the Thalasseri magistrate court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea. Divya was taken into custody from her relatives residence in Kannapuram. Divya is been bought to the Kannur district vigilance office.
PP Divya will be taken to the Kannur police station and then be produced in the Magistrate court. Meanwhile, the family of Naveen expressed satisfaction with the police investigation and said that they will cooperate with the probe.
Kannur district police commissioner rejected the allegation that police had been mute spectator and had helped Divya to remain in hiding. He said that the police team was vigilant and had followed all due course of the law in the matter.
“Her arrest was delayed since the matter was in the court of law and hence we had to follow the protocols. Now she is under police custody. Only after questioning her, we will decide on further course of action”, said Kannur city police commissioner.
Her delay in surrendering had sparked severe criticism from political circles, and Naveen Babu’s family had also demanded her arrest. Reports suggest that Divya surrendered based on party instructions. A CPM district committee member, Divya was removed from her position as district panchayat president after allegations surfaced of her role in abetting Naveen Babu’s suicide. Following the police’s abettment charges, the CPM took swift action. The government’s investigation later found no evidence to suggest that Naveen Babu had accepted bribes or violated the law in granting a petrol pump license.
Naveen Babu was found hanging on October 15 at his quarters in Kannur. The previous day during his farewell meeting, PP Divya who entered the function hall without any invite had made allegations of corruption against Naveen Babu. Divya has been charged for abettment of suicide and conspiracy following which the magistrate court has rejected her anticipatory bail plea.
