KOCHI, Oct. 28 -- The Kerala government on Wednesday transferred Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar over alleged lapses in the investigation into a fatal hit-and-run case involving the 17-year-old son of an Additional District and Sessions Judge, officials said.
The transfer came a day after four police personnel were suspended for alleged dereliction of duty in connection with the accident, in which a 55-year-old scooter rider was killed after being hit by a Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the judge's minor son. R Nishanthini has been appointed the new Kochi City Police Commissioner, while P Prakash will take charge as Inspector General of Police, Southern Range, and continue to hold additional charge of the State Crime Records Bureau. The administrative action followed mounting criticism of the police's initial handling of the case, particularly the decision to register a lesser charge and release the minor on bail shortly after the accident.
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The government had earlier suspended four police personnel, including the Circle Inspector and Station House Officer of Cheranalloor police station, following an examination of alleged procedural lapses. Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala informed the state Assembly on Tuesday that action had been initiated after senior police officers reviewed the circumstances surrounding the accident and the subsequent investigation.
The minister acknowledged shortcomings in the initial police response and assured that those responsible would face appropriate action. He also maintained that the judicial officer's position would not influence the investigation. The disciplinary proceedings followed protests by the victim's family, which alleged that the police had initially attempted to dilute the seriousness of the case.
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The accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, October 25, at Cheranalloor in Kochi, when a speeding Mercedes-Benz allegedly struck a scooter on Container Road near Marapparambu. The victim, identified as Jayabalakrishnan, a resident of South Chittoor, died following the collision. The luxury car was registered in the name of an Additional District and Sessions Judge serving at Irinjalakuda in Thrissur district. Police said the vehicle was allegedly being driven by the judge's 17-year-old son, who was initially taken into custody but subsequently released on station bail.
Following protests by the victim's relatives and local residents, police invoked Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and took the teenager into custody again. He was subsequently produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, which granted him bail. Investigators have initiated steps to seek cancellation of the bail.
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The police also arraigned the teenager's father as an accused under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, which provides for liability of the guardian or registered owner when a juvenile commits an offence under the Act. The Kerala High Court granted permission on Monday to proceed against the judicial officer, following which the relevant provision was added to the case. The investigation was transferred to the District Crime Branch in view of the sensitive nature of the incident and the allegations surrounding the initial police response.
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Meanwhile, investigators conducted searches at the judge's residence and collected CCTV footage and other evidence relevant to the case. A Crime Branch team, accompanied by personnel from the Photographic Bureau, inspected the premises as part of efforts to reconstruct the circumstances leading to the collision. Investigators are also examining videos allegedly showing the teenager driving the Mercedes-Benz at high speeds before the accident.
The victim's family has demanded stringent action against those responsible and questioned whether the initial investigation was influenced by the accused's family background. The transfer of the police commissioner and suspension of four personnel marked the latest administrative action in the case, even as the Crime Branch continued its investigation into the fatal collision and the alleged lapses in police procedure.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.