Kochi Mercedes hit-and-run: Police commissioner transferred over lapses in crash case probe involving judges son

PTC News Desk: Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar has been transferred following growing criticism of the police investigation into a fatal car crash involving a Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the 17-year-old son of an additional district judge.

The decision came after Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala admitted that there had been lapses in the investigation and promised action against the officials responsible.

Police probe judge's residence

A day before the commissioner’s transfer, police searched the additional district judge’s residence on Tuesday and collected CCTV footage as part of the investigation.

The search took place a day after the judge was named as an accused under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act. This provision holds a minor’s guardian or the vehicle’s registered owner responsible for certain offences committed by a juvenile.

According to reports, the Kerala High Court had granted permission for the judge to be named as an accused on Monday.

Addressing the state Assembly on Tuesday, Chennithala said the police had initially failed to apply the appropriate legal provision related 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.

Based on 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.

55-year-old man killed in collision 

The accident occurred in Kochi on October 25, when a Mercedes-Benz collided with a scooter, killing 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan.

The victim’s family has alleged that there was a conspiracy to weaken the case. The police handling of the teenage accused, who was granted bail twice, also led to protests and questions about accountability.

The teenager was initially released on station bail a few hours after the accident. However, following protests by the victim’s family and local residents, he was taken into custody again and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, which granted him bail once more.

Chennithala also criticised the board for granting bail before the victim’s body had been laid to rest.

The incident sparked a political confrontation in the state Assembly, with opposition members staging a walkout over the police investigation.

Police said a video recovered from the teenager showed the car travelling at around 104 kmph.

Initially, the teenager was booked under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for causing death by negligence and was released on station bail on Sunday evening.

Following protests by the victim’s family outside Cheranalloor police station, he was taken into custody again and charged under Section 105 of the BNS for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Given the sensitive nature of the case, police have transferred the investigation to the District Crime Branch.