Kochi, October 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Senior IPS officer Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar, recently transferred from the post of Kochi City Police Commissioner, has said that neither the Additional District Judge linked to the Cheranelloor Mercedes-Benz accident case nor anyone else had contacted him regarding the incident.
Speaking after the transfer took effect on Friday, Kaliraj said he had neither interfered in the investigation nor played any role in the subsequent proceedings. He described the transfer as part of government service and said he had accepted the order wholeheartedly.
The officer added that his superiors had not communicated any specific reason for the transfer.
The accident occurred around 2.20 am on October 25 on Container Road in Cheranelloor, near Kochi. A Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the 17-year-old son of an Additional District Judge rammed into a scooter ridden by Jayabalakrishnan, 55, of Manjali. The victim died at the spot while returning home after closing his roadside eatery near Chittoor temple.
The case triggered controversy over the police response, particularly after the teenager was initially released on station bail following his detention. He was subsequently taken into custody again amid criticism, before the Juvenile Justice Board granted him bail.
The teenager’s father, an Additional District Judge posted at the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal in Irinjalakuda, was also named as an accused. The Kerala High Court later stayed his arrest while directing him to cooperate with the investigation.
The handling of the case came under scrutiny amid allegations of preferential treatment and questions over possible influence. The victim’s family also raised concerns about the police action.
Kaliraj, who was known for action against criminal gangs and drug networks in Kochi, did not level any allegations against anyone over his transfer.
FOLLOW NOW
