Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Monday dismissed a petition seeking a CBI probe into the death of Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Naveen Babu. The court rejected the petition filed by Naveen Babu's wife, Manjusha. 

"We are still not satisfied with the investigation and will file an appeal," Manjusha said following the court's decision.  

Justice Kauser Edappagath ordered the DIG (Kannur) to supervise the ongoing SIT investigation. The court said that the SIT shall submit periodical reports to the DIG to show the progress of the investigation. The court also directed the SIT to inform the petitioner of the progress of the investigation as contemplated under Section 193 (3)(ii) of BNSS. It further directed the SIT to consider the grievances of the petitioner mentioned in the petition and look into the possibility of homicidal hanging. The court also said that the SIT should file final report only after it is vetted and approved by the DIG.

The petition raised concerns about the police's premature conclusion of suicide without completing the inquest and autopsy. It also alleged that the accused’s political influence could intimidate witnesses and compromise the integrity of the investigation.  

Naveen Babu was found hanging in his official quarters in Kannur on October 15, a day after CPM leader and Kannur Panchayat President P P Divya accused him of bribery. Divya, currently out on bail, faces charges of abetment to suicide.  

The counsel appearing for Babu's wife had argued that Divya, due to her political influence, is receiving assistance from the police to fabricate evidence in her favour. It was stated that an impartial agency like CBI must conduct the investigation.

Meanwhile, Director General of Prosecution T A Shaji submitted that the SIT is investigating all possible angles of the case. It was argued that there are no allegations of bias or foul play from the side of the police.

Shaji further argued that the CBI probe was sought on mere inferences and surmises without any cogent evidence. Further, it was submitted that Divya, who has resigned from all party posts, was incapable of exerting any sort of pressure on the police. In her petition seeking CBI inquiry, Manjusha K stated that the police did not follow norms related to inquest procedure and that no case was registered against Prasanthan, who raised a bribery allegation against Naveen Babu. She further said that the cops initially involved in the probe were added to the special investigation team (SIT), which raised doubts about the probe's earnestness.

(With LiveLaw inputs.)