Original complaint against Naveen fabricated at AKG Centre: Satheesan

Kochi: Opposition leader V D Satheesan on Saturday hit out at CPM in connection with the death of Kannur ADM Naveen Babu and said only a thorough investigation would reveal the influential people behind TV Prashanthan, the applicant for the petrol pump.Addressing the media, Satheesan accused powerful CPM leaders of backing Prashanthan and described the party's involvement in the controversy as shrouded in mystery. He criticized CPM for its alleged double standards, pointing out that while party state secretary M V Govindan pledged support for ADM Naveen Babu's family, Govindan's wife visited the jail to receive PP Divya, who is accused of abetting Babu's suicide, upon her release. "CPM claims to stand with the ADM's family, yet the party secretary's wife personally welcomed Divya. This is hypocrisy," Satheesan said.Satheesan also said that no legal action has been taken against Prashanthan, despite allegations of bribery and document forgery. "Whose proxy is Prashanthan? Why has there been no investigation or case against him despite serious allegations?" Satheesan asked, implying that CPM leaders were protecting Prashanthan."Everyone knows the petrol pump isn't Prashanthan's," he said.Satheesan further alleged that a statement from Kannur district collector, which he claimed to be false, was pivotal in securing bail for Divya. He said that this statement was given following the collector's meeting with the chief minister.Satheesan also claimed that the original complaint against Babu was fabricated at the AKG Centre and questioned why no investigation had been initiated against Prashanthan, who allegedly filed a false complaint against Babu.Meppadi panchayat not responsible for distributing contaminated food kits: Satheesan criticized the CM's claim that Meppadi panchayat was responsible for distributing maggot-infested food kits in Wayanad, calling it inaccurate. "The food items distributed by the panchayat were provided by the revenue authorities," Satheesan said. He pointed out that of the 815 sacks of rice distributed by the revenue department on Nov 1, 17 were found to be infested. He stressed that with the election code of conduct in effect since Oct 15, neither panchayat members nor the governing body were involved in the distribution, which was handled entirely by revenue officials using supplies received from the collectorate. "The revenue department distributed these relief items without proper inspection. How, then, can Meppadi panchayat be held responsible?" he asked, accusing the CM and the revenue minister of shifting blame onto the UDF-led panchayat committee to cover up the govt's mistake.Is Pinarayi Vijayan Truly in Charge? Satheesan questioned chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan's grip on the state administration, pointing to "discord" between senior police and IAS officials. "With mutual allegations surfacing between additional chief secretary A Jayathilak and special secretary, agriculture, Prasanth Nair, and the industry director creating a Hindu-only WhatsApp group, is Pinarayi Vijayan truly in charge of Kerala's administration?" he asked.
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