Kochi, October 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Four Kerala Police personnel have been suspended over alleged lapses in the investigation into a fatal road accident in Cheranalloor involving a Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the 17-year-old son of an Additional Sessions Judge.
The action followed public criticism and protests over the handling of the case, in which a 55-year-old man, Jayabalakrishnan, lost his life.
Those suspended are Circle Inspector Shyam Kumar, Station House Officer Viswajith, Grade Sub-Inspector Manoj and Civil Police Officer Arunjith.
The suspensions came hours after Additional Director General of Police P. Vijayan arrived in Kochi, inspected the accident site and visited the deceased man’s residence. He also held discussions with the investigation team.
The development followed Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala’s admission in the Kerala Assembly on Tuesday that the police had made mistakes while investigating the accident.
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The crash occurred around 2.20 a.m. on October 25 on Container Road in Cheranalloor, near Kochi. Jayabalakrishnan was returning home after closing his roadside eatery when a Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the judge’s minor son hit his scooter.
Police initially registered a case involving rash driving and causing death by negligence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Section 105 of the BNS, relating to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, was subsequently added.
Kochi City Police have also named the Additional Sessions Judge as an accused under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act. The judge, who is posted at a court in Irinjalakuda in Thrissur district, is the registered owner of the car involved in the accident.
Section 199A provides for accountability of a vehicle owner or guardian when a motor vehicle offence is committed by a juvenile, subject to statutory exceptions.
Police have said the proceedings against the judicial officer are being conducted in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines. The District Judiciary and the Kerala High Court are also to be informed.
The victim’s family, along with several political and youth organisations, had demanded action and questioned the handling of the investigation.
The Juvenile Justice Board in Ernakulam granted bail to the 17-year-old on Monday.
The suspension of the four personnel comes amid growing demands for a thorough investigation and accountability for any lapses. The case has drawn widespread attention, raising questions about police conduct and the application of the law in fatal accidents involving minors and families of public officials.
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