A Kerala court on Friday has granted bail to CPI-M leader P. P. Divya in connection with the suicide case of Kannur ADM Naveen Babu.
Divya’s counsel expressed confidence in proving her innocence when the trial begins, stating, “This was expected as there were guidelines for everything.
A lot of things have to come out, and it will happen when the case comes to trial.”
In response to the bail decision, Naveen Babu’s wife, Manjusha, said she had no immediate comments but would consult with their lawyer to determine their next steps, adding, “Later, I will speak to you (media).”
The court’s decision followed a hearing on Tuesday that included arguments from the defense, prosecution, and Babu’s family. Divya had been in Kannur jail since October 29 after her anticipatory bail plea was denied; she subsequently surrendered to the police.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Divya’s lawyer insisted on her innocence, asserting that she had done nothing wrong and had attempted to expose Babu’s alleged acceptance of bribes—a claim that was vehemently contested.
The involvement of Kannur District Collector Arun Vijayan and T. V. Prasanth, who claimed he paid a bribe to Babu for a petrol pump sanction, was also discussed.
On November 1, Divya underwent a four-hour police interrogation. Her legal troubles began on October 14, when she attended Babu’s send-off function uninvited and made critical remarks, prompting a subdued response from Collector Vijayan, who was presiding over the event. The following day, Babu died by suicide, leading to public outrage and Divya’s subsequent resignation as President of the Kannur district panchayat.
After a case was filed against her on October 17, Divya evaded arrest for several days. Her bail came shortly after the CPI-M’s Kannur unit decided to strip her of all party positions and demote her from the district committee to her local branch.
Divya’s counsel expressed optimism about her release, stating they hoped she would be able to leave jail later in the day.
