The United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala is reportedly examining the possibility of referring the controversial suicide case of former Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Kannur, K.Naveen Babu, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

According to officials, no formal notification has yet been issued granting CBI consent, and the government is likely to seek legal opinion and place the matter before the Cabinet before taking a final decision.The move comes after the deceased officer’s family, including his wife K.Manjusha and brother Praveen Babu, met Chief Minister V.D.

Satheesan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, reiterating their demand for a CBI investigation into the case they describe as politically sensitive.The Kerala police had earlier registered a case of abetment to suicide, naming CPI(M) leader and former Kannur district president P.P.Divya as the sole accused.

The case relates to allegations that Naveen Babu was publicly humiliated during his farewell function in 2022, which the family claims contributed to his death.

The family has also alleged procedural lapses in the investigation, citing 13 “anomalies” in the affidavit submitted by the previous government before the Kerala High Court.

They further raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the probe, including failure to question certain individuals and missing revenue records linked to the fuel outlet licensing process.

The case has triggered strong political reactions in the state, with the UDF accusing the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government of shielding CPI(M) leadership.

On the other hand, CPI(M) leaders have rejected the demand for a CBI probe, arguing that both the High Court and Supreme Court have earlier declined such requests and expressed confidence in the state police investigation.The party has also labelled the renewed demand as politically motivated.The matter now awaits a formal decision by the UDF government after legal consultation and Cabinet deliberation.