Kochi Police Commissioner transferred as investigation into fatal Mercedes crash continues

Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar was transferred and R Nishanthini appointed as his successor as the investigation into a fatal road accident involving a Mercedes-Benz continues. The vehicle, registered to an Additional District and Sessions Judge, is alleged to have been driven by the judge’s 17-year-old son when it struck and killed 55-year-old scooter rider Jayabalakrishnan on Container Road in Cheranalloor on Sunday morning.

Police handed the case to the District Crime Branch on Monday, citing its sensitivity, and the Kerala High Court permitted authorities to charge the judge under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, which holds a vehicle’s guardian or registered owner liable for offences committed by a minor.

"The responsibility of the vehicle’s registered owner and guardian is also being examined as part of the investigation," Mahesh Kumar said, adding that legal action would follow the findings.

The teenager was initially booked under a negligence provision of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita but was re-arrested after protests by the victim’s family and charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. He was later released on bail by the Juvenile Justice Board. Police said a video shows the car traveling at about 104 km/h and are seeking to cancel the bail.

The victim’s daughter, Bhadrakeerthy, told reporters she would continue to seek justice and warned against preferential treatment for the judge’s son. Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan raised the case in the Kerala Assembly, expressing concern over similar incidents and alleged interference by the minor’s father. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala acknowledged lapses in the initial police response, directed a review by the Director General of Police, and warned that action could be taken against the judge if warranted by the investigation.