Kochi, November 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Kerala Police have added a fresh charge against a judge in the Cheranelloor Mercedes-Benz accident case in which his 17-year-old son allegedly knocked down and killed a scooterist.
Police have invoked Section 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with causing the disappearance of evidence of an offence. The development follows allegations by the victim’s family that attempts were made to destroy evidence after the accident.
The investigation has been transferred to the Crime Branch on the directions of Kochi City Police Commissioner R. Nishanthini. Meanwhile, the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court has ordered that further proceedings be held in camera, citing the nature of the case and the need to protect proceedings and evidence.
A dispute has also emerged between the victim’s family and the prosecution. The family has sought the removal of the public prosecutor, alleging lapses, while the prosecution has accused the family of non-cooperation and providing misleading information to the media. The court advised the family to raise any complaint against the prosecutor through the proper procedure.
The case relates to a Mercedes-Benz car hitting a scooter on Container Road, killing 55-year-old roadside eatery owner Jayabalakrishnan. The vehicle was allegedly driven by the judge’s minor son.
The family has been demanding a fair investigation. The victim’s home has also received visits from several prominent political leaders, including Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.
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