Published Feb 21, 2026 | 8:25 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 21, 2026 | 8:25 PM
P P Divya
The Kerala government has told the High Court that no investigation is required against former Kannur district panchayat president and CPI(M) leader PP Divya in the alleged benami transaction case, closing the door on a vigilance inquiry.
The government claimed there was no evidence linking Divya to irregularities in public contracts, despite serious allegations raised in a formal complaint.
The complaint was filed by KSU State vice-president leader Muhammed Shammas P, who accused Divya of operating a benami firm while she was the panchayat president and using it to secure district panchayat contracts for personal gain.
However, instead of ordering an impartial probe, the government informed the court that the corruption allegations did not warrant any vigilance investigation.
Earlier, the Kerala High Court had directed the Additional Chief Secretary to consider whether sanction should be granted for a vigilance inquiry into Divya’s alleged benami dealings.
Shammas sought the preliminary probe based on his complaint to the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB).
The court noted that under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, government approval is mandatory to initiate an inquiry against a serving or former public servant and disposed of the case, allowing the petitioner to approach the court again if the issue was not decided.
Copy of Court order
While refusing to sanction a probe against Divya, the government has recommended an investigation only against the former district panchayat secretary for procedural lapses, a move that has triggered accusations of selective accountability.
Shammas told South First that Divya is being used as a puppet by senior party leaders. He said that if a probe is initiated against her, it would eventually lead to senior leaders and expose alleged benami dealings.
This, he claimed, is the reason she is being protected.
”Otherwise, what is the need for the government to protect an accused in a controversial suicide case? They are afraid of Divya, and she has already issued a silent threat to them” Shammas said.
He explained that the ”silent threat” refers to rumours that emerged a few months ago suggesting Divya was considering a move to the BJP after allegedly being sidelined by her party following the controversies. Reports had also claimed that discussions were underway with BJP district leadership.
According to CPI(M) party insiders in Kannur, this was effectively a warning by Divya to the party leadership. ”Kannur is the home of senior party leaders. Nothing happens here without their knowledge or consent. The government will protect Divya at any cost” a source told South First.
Some BJP leaders have also privately acknowledged that if Divya were willing to join the party, she would even be offered a seat as she is aware of several alleged benami dealings in CPI(M)’s home turf.
