Government Admits Investigation Lapses

KOCHI — Facing mounting public outrage and intense scrutiny from the victim's family, the Kerala government has officially acknowledged critical lapses in the police investigation surrounding a fatal Mercedes-Benz crash involving a minor whose father serves as a judicial officer.

Following direct interventions and instructions from Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, authorities have initiated strict corrective measures. The First Information Report (FIR) in the case has been formally updated to include Section 199A, bringing the judge—as the registered owner of the vehicle—into the legal scope of the ongoing probe. Furthermore, the state administration has instructed police prosecutors to approach the sessions court seeking the cancellation of bail granted to the 17-year-old driver.

Disciplinary Action Against Officers

Internal reviews into the conduct of local law enforcement led to the immediate suspension of four police personnel attached to the Cheranellore police station. The suspended officers have been identified as:

* Circle Inspector Shyam Kumar KS * Sub-Inspector Vishwajith * Grade Sub-Inspector Manoj KT * Civil Police Officer Arun Joshi

The disciplinary actions follow a high-level visit to Kochi by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Law and Order, P. Vijayan. The senior official was dispatched to review grievances raised by the family of 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan, who was killed when the luxury vehicle struck his scooter.

Allegations of Preferential Treatment

The victim's family has consistently maintained that local law enforcement attempted to shield the accused due to his familial ties to the judiciary. Protests erupted over the initial handling of the case, which critics argued lacked appropriate legal severity and moved with unusual haste to secure bail for the minor.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala addressed the state Assembly, confirming that the minor was produced before a magistrate late on the night of the incident despite procedural recommendations to wait until the following morning. The minister assured the public that no individual, regardless of their position in the judicial system, would receive preferential treatment.

Scrutiny Over Evidence Handling

Investigators are currently examining CCTV footage from inside the Cheranellore police station to determine whether officers actively assisted the accused or compromised evidence. Allegations include the premature dismissal of potential alcohol consumption by the minor, the removal of a board identifying the vehicle's judicial connection, and the deletion of a relative's photograph of the driver from a mobile phone under the direction of the judge.

As the investigation broadens under direct state supervision, the victim's family continues to demand full accountability and transparency regarding the initial hours following the fatal collision.

Reported by Gaurav Sen for Daily News 365.