Kochi, October 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Kerala Police have registered a case against an Additional District Judge whose 17-year-old son allegedly drove a Mercedes-Benz that killed a scooter rider in Cheranelloor near Kochi, and are preparing to seek cancellation of the teenager’s bail.
The case against the judicial officer was registered after the police obtained permission from the Kerala High Court. Investigators are examining whether the judge violated provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act by allegedly allowing his minor son, who did not hold a driving licence, to use the car.
Police will also approach the Ernakulam District Sessions Court seeking cancellation of the teenager’s bail, following widespread public anger over the handling of the case.
The accident occurred around 2.20 am on Sunday on Container Road in Cheranelloor, when the Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the teenager struck a scooter ridden by Jayabalakrishnan, 55, a resident of Manjali. He died at the scene.
Jayabalakrishnan operated a small roadside eatery near Chittoor temple and was returning home after closing his shop. His death has left his wife and three children without their principal breadwinner.
According to investigators, the teenager had allegedly taken the car out late at night to record a social media reel showing him driving at high speed. Police said they had recovered mobile phone footage showing the vehicle travelling at high speed shortly before the collision.
The teenager was initially released on station bail on Sunday evening. 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.
Police have invoked Sections 181 and 183 of the Motor Vehicles Act against him for allegedly driving without a licence and overspeeding.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has directed urgent action over the case. The Additional Director General of Police in charge of law and order has been asked to examine alleged lapses, while a show-cause notice is to be issued to Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar.
The victim’s family has demanded strict action against all those found responsible. Jayabalakrishnan’s daughter, who collapsed during a sit-in protest outside a police station and was taken to hospital, has vowed to continue the fight for justice.
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