CPM Ousts P P Divya as Kannur District Panchayat President Amid Controversy

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) made a significant decision on Thursday by removing P P Divya from her position as the Kannur District Panchayat President. This development follows the registration of a case against her in connection with the death of Naveen Babu, the Additional District Magistrate (ADM). Divya has been charged with abetment to suicide, a serious offense that carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Following her ousting, K K Rathnakumari has been appointed as the new district panchayat president.

P P Divya announced her resignation and cooperation with the ongoing police investigation via a Facebook post. She expressed her intention to prove her innocence through legal means, although she agreed with the party’s assessment that some of her previous remarks could have been worded differently. “Convinced that it is only appropriate to step down from the post of District Panchayat President, I hereby tender my resignation,” Divya stated.

The situation escalated after Naveen Babu was discovered deceased at his official residence in Kannur on Tuesday morning. Reports suggest that his death was a result of the public humiliation and accusations he faced from Divya during his farewell event held the previous day. Babu was allegedly accused by Divya of corruption related to the delay in issuing a No Objection Certificate (NoC) for a new petrol pump in Chengalayi, Kannur.

The incident has sparked a significant political stir in Kerala, leading to protests and demands for Divya’s arrest. Kerala’s Leader of Opposition, V D Satheesan, described the incident as “shocking” and equated Babu’s death to murder, noting that no corruption charges had been raised against Babu from any opposition parties or their affiliated employees.

Keralan Revenue Minister K Rajan of the ruling Left Democratic Front described Babu as an “upright officer” with an impeccable track record. “He was left with around seven months of service and wanted to work in his home district Pathanamthitta,” said Rajan, reaffirming Babu’s integrity and his intention to serve until his planned retirement.

Despite the mounting pressure, the CPM has largely remained silent. However, the party’s Kannur district secretariat issued a statement acknowledging the unfortunate event and suggesting that Divya’s criticism, though well-intentioned, was ill-placed at the farewell meeting.

Babu, survived by his wife Manjusha and two daughters, was known for his diligent service in the administrative framework of Kerala. He began his career as a lower division clerk and ascended to the position of additional district magistrate, maintaining a reputation for honesty and dedication.