Four cops suspended over lapses in Kochi Benz accident involving judge's minor son

Four police officers at the Cheranalloor police station in Keralam's Ernakulam have been suspended following lapses in handling the fatal car accident case involving a luxury Mercedes-Benz driven by the 17-year-old son of an additional district judge. The suspension came on Tuesday, October 27, two days after the incident, following the continuous protest by the deceased victim Jayabalakrishnan's family. 

On Tuesday, the ADGP (Law and Order) P Vijayan visited the family and later submitted a preliminary inquiry report on the allegations.

The suspended officers were identified as Viswajith VS, Station House Officer (SHO); Sub-Inspector Syam Kumar KS, Circle Inspector (CI); Manoj KT, Grade Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI); and Arun Joshy, Senior Civil Police Officer. 

55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan was killed in Cheranallur in the early hours of October 25, after his scooter was struck by a car driven by the judge’s minor son. The accident occurred around 2.30 am when Jayabalakrishnan was going back home on his scooter after closing his street food stall. The minor was taken into custody on the same day.

The family raised multiple allegations against the police officers, including that the officers initially booked the teenager only for minor charges (rash driving and causing death by negligence) and granted him station bail. Allegations also surfaced that an officer forcibly deleted photos of the accused from a family member's phone, and that the judge inappropriately visited the police station.

The daughter and son of Jayabalakrishnan conducted day and night protests in front of the police station demanding justice for their father. Following the protests, the accused was taken back into custody. Hours later, on October 26, the Juvenile Justice Board granted him bail. 

Following the protests, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala assured the family that the government will bring the accused to justice. 

Currently, the police have added a culpable homicide charge, moved the court to cancel the juvenile's bail, and booked the judge under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Meanwhile, following directions from the High Court, police and Crime Branch officials have begun an inspection at the residence of the judge. Details of the insepction are yet to be confirmed.