Cheranalloor Crash: Judge's Minor Son Denied Bail; Kochi Police Chief Transferred
Kochi court denies bail to a judge's minor son in a fatal crash. Police Commissioner transferred amid allegations of lapses in the Cheranalloor case.
In a significant legal development, the Kochi district sessions court has refused bail to the minor son of an Additional District Judge and his acquaintance. The duo is accused of causing a fatal road accident in Cheranalloor that claimed the life of a 55-year-old scooter rider.
The case has sparked a massive controversy, leading to a shake-up in the city's police leadership. Kochi City Police Commissioner S Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar is set to be transferred following allegations of police lapses in the handling of the investigation. R Nishanthini will step in as the new Commissioner. This administrative action comes under the direct instructions of Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, and four other police personnel have been suspended due to alleged negligence.
The Fatal Collision
The tragedy unfolded early Sunday morning when a luxury car, allegedly driven by the 17-year-old teenager, rammed into a scooter from behind. The victim, Jayabalakrishnan, a resident of Manjali, died as a result of the impact. It was later revealed that the luxury vehicle was registered in the name of the teenager's father, who serves as an Additional District Judge.
The District Crime Branch (DCB) has intensified its investigation, conducting an evidence-collection raid late Tuesday night to secure crucial details regarding the crash.
Shift in Legal Charges
Initially, the police registered the case under provisions relating to death caused by negligence. However, as the investigation progressed, evidence emerged suggesting the vehicle was overspeeding. Consequently, the charges were upgraded to Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to culpable homicide.
Former Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar clarified that the police followed the Juvenile Justice rules by producing the minor before the Juvenile Justice Board. He further noted that under the Motor Vehicles Act, the guardian or registered owner of a vehicle can be held responsible for accidents caused by a juvenile. Since the teenager's father is the registered owner of the car, the relevant provisions of the Act have been invoked.
"Certain procedures must be followed because the registered owner is a judge, and we are following those procedures to take further action," stated the Commissioner.
Outrage and Political Backlash
The case has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders and the public. BJP MLA V Muraleedharan slammed the police response, alleging that the accused enjoyed undue protection due to his father's position.
Muraleedharan questioned why it took nearly 32 hours for "justice to be served" and claimed that the victim's family was forced to struggle for answers. He described the events at the police station as "unheard of in Keralam," suggesting a breakdown in law and order.
Family's Grief and Public Protest
The loss has devastated Jayabalakrishnan's family. His daughter, Bhadrakeerthi, confirmed that senior officials, including the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), visited their home to record statements. While she acknowledged the suspension of four police officers, she noted that the specific reasons for those suspensions remained unclear to the family.
The tension surrounding the case peaked on Tuesday, as workers from both the BJP and CPI(M) staged protests outside the Cheranalloor Police Station, demanding strict action against the Additional District Judge for his role as the vehicle's owner.