A 17-year-old son of a Kerala judge faces a culpable homicide charge after a Mercedes-Benz crash killed a scooter rider in Kochi.
How Did the Fatal Accident Occur?
The incident took place between 2 am and 3 am on Sunday near Container Road at Marapparmbu in Cheranalloor, Kochi. The victim, Jayabalakrishnan, a resident of South Chittoor who operated a roadside eatery, was returning home on his scooter when a speeding Mercedes-Benz allegedly struck his vehicle.
Police said the car was registered in the name of an Additional Sessions Judge and was allegedly being driven by his 17-year-old son. The collision resulted in the death of the scooter rider, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
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Why Were More Serious Charges Invoked?
Police initially registered a case under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with causing death by negligence. The minor was subsequently released on bail from the police station on Sunday evening. However, the decision triggered protests by the victim’s family and activists outside Cheranalloor police station. They demanded the accused’s arrest and production before the Juvenile Justice Board.
Following intervention by senior officers and further investigation, police invoked Section 105 of the BNS, concerning culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Investigators said preliminary findings indicated that the teenager had been driving at high speed and had allegedly driven the vehicle similarly on previous occasions.
What Happened After the Family Protested?
The protests continued as the deceased man’s son and daughter, accompanied by activists, demanded further action. During the demonstration, Jayabalakrishnan’s daughter fainted and was taken to hospital. As more protesters gathered, police again took the teenager into custody. Officers reached the judge’s residence late at night and produced the minor before the Juvenile Justice Board, which granted him bail.
The family also demanded action against the judge for allegedly allowing his underage son to drive. Police said they had sought legal advice on whether the vehicle’s owner could also be charged.
What Has the Kerala Government Said?
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala assured the victim’s family that the investigation would proceed without regard to the background or influence of those involved.
“It does not matter how prominent or powerful they are; they will face strict action,” the minister told reporters.
He also said action had been taken against more than 14,000 people for drunken driving in recent days, with steps underway to revoke driving licences.
The case now involves a more serious criminal charge against the minor, while police are examining the possible legal responsibility of the vehicle’s owner. The underlying allegations remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
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