The Kochi Police Commissioner transfer has followed mounting criticism over the investigation into a fatal Mercedes-Benz crash involving the 17-year-old son of an additional district judge. The October 25 accident in Kochi, Keralam, killed 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan, who was riding a scooter when the car struck him.
The government’s decision comes after Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala acknowledged shortcomings in the police investigation and promised action against officials responsible. The handling of the minor accused, who was granted bail twice, triggered protests by the victim’s family and raised questions about accountability.
The victim’s relatives have alleged a conspiracy to undermine the case, while authorities have taken further steps to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Police Search Judge’s Residence, Collect CCTV Footage
Police searched the additional district judge’s residence on Tuesday and collected CCTV footage as part of the investigation. The search followed the judge being named as an accused under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, which addresses the liability of a vehicle owner or guardian in offences involving juveniles.
According to the report, the Kerala High Court had permitted the judge to be arraigned in the case on Monday.
The investigation has also been transferred to the District Crime Branch because of the case’s sensitive nature.
Home Minister Admits Investigation Lapses
Addressing the state Assembly, Chennithala said police had initially failed to invoke the appropriate legal provision relating to culpable homicide. He said he contacted the Director General of Police after learning about the case and directed Additional Superintendent of Police P Vijayan to visit the victim’s family.
Following the officer’s report, four police personnel were suspended: a Circle Inspector, a Station House Officer, a Grade Sub-Inspector and an Assistant Civil Police Officer.
The minister also criticised the Juvenile Justice Board for granting bail before the victim’s body was laid to rest. The issue triggered a political confrontation in the Assembly, with opposition members staging a walkout over the police response.
Minor Was Taken Into Custody Again After Protests
The teenager was initially released on station bail hours after the crash. Following protests by the victim’s relatives and local residents outside Cheranalloor police station, he was taken into custody again and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, which granted bail once more.
Police initially registered a case under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to causing death by negligence. The charge was subsequently changed to Section 105, concerning culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Police also said a video recovered from the teenager showed the vehicle travelling at approximately 104 kmph.
The commissioner’s transfer, personnel suspensions and transfer of the investigation mark further developments in a case that has prompted public scrutiny of police accountability and the handling of allegations involving a minor.
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