Kochi, October 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Kerala government on Wednesday removed Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh amid mounting criticism over the handling of a fatal road accident in Cheranalloor involving the 17-year-old son of an Additional District Judge.
R. Nishanthini will take over as Kochi City Police Commissioner, as the controversy intensifies during the ongoing Assembly session.
The move follows the suspension on Tuesday of four personnel attached to Cheranalloor police station over alleged lapses in the investigation. Those suspended are Circle Inspector K.S. Shyam Kumar, Station House Officer V.S. Viswajith, Grade Assistant Sub-Inspector K.T. Manoj and Senior Civil Police Officer Arun Joshi.
The disciplinary action came after a preliminary inquiry by ADGP P. Vijayan, who visited the accident site, examined police records and met the victim’s family. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had assured the Assembly that action would be taken against officials found responsible.
The case concerns the death of Jayabalakrishnan, 55, a roadside eatery operator who was riding a scooter when a Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the teenager hit him on Container Road in Cheranalloor early Sunday.
The initial handling of the case sparked protests after the teenager was booked under provisions relating to rash driving and causing death by negligence, and subsequently released on station bail. The case was later strengthened, and the teenager’s father, who owns the car, was also named as an accused.
Police inspected the judge’s flat in Aluva on Tuesday night, examining CCTV footage and collecting evidence. The investigation has since been transferred to the Crime Branch.
The victim’s family is planning to approach the Kerala High Court seeking further action. The government faces growing pressure to ensure an impartial investigation, with accountability determined by the evidence rather than the status of those involved.
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