Kannur: Refuting the statements made by PP Divya, the CPI(M) leader, Kannur District Collector Arun K Vijayan stated that he did not invite former District Panchayat President PP Divya to the farewell event for Additional District Magistrate Naveen Babu on October 14. The district Collector added that he was unsure why Divya claimed in her anticipatory bail plea and further said that he has made his submissions on the matter to the investigation team and will not reveal more as the matter is in the court.
The police recorded Collector Arun K Vijayan’s statement regarding Naveen Babu’s death on Monday evening at his official residence.
“I have given my statement to the police at my official residence. However, I cannot reveal the details as they are crucial to the investigation,” he said. Arun K Vijayan also added that he maintained extremely cordial relations with the former ADM. In his letter to the wife and daughters of Naveen, the Collector conveyed his deep sorrow over the loss.
“Allegations that I had a complex relation with Naveen is untrue. I had a cordial relation with him and I had met him multiple times and we had discussed a lot of matters in connection with the administration. On the day of farewell Divya had called me. But I have not invited her for the farewell meet. I don’t know on what she has mentioned in the anticipatory bail plea”, said collector Arjun to the media.
Complainant Prashanthan reiterates to his stance on bribe offered
Meanwhile, TV Prashanthan, the health department employee who has made allegations against Naveen Babu has reiterated his stance on bribe given to Naveen Babu.
“I stand by my statement that I had handed over the money to the deputy collector on October 6 where I had given the entire amount after I reached the residence. I had managed the money after I had to sell gold from my house”, Prashanthan said.
