Kochi man killed after car driven by judge’s minor son hits scooter

A 55-year-old man was killed in Ernakulam’s Cheranallur in the early hours of Sunday, October 25, after his scooter was struck by a car driven by a 17-year-old. The deceased was identified as Jayabalakrishnan, a street vendor and native of Manjali. According to reports, the minor involved is the son of an Judge.

The accident occurred around 2.30 am when Jayabalakrishnan was going back home on his scooter after closing his thattukada (street food stall). The speeding car, identified as a Mercedes-Benz, rammed into his scooter from behind.

Jayabalakrishnan’s family alleged that the teenager attempted to flee the scene after the collision but his car, which was impacted by the accident, stopped after a few metres.

According to media reports, the car was registered under the name of the judge. 

Police told the media that the prima facie report did not indicate intoxication at the time of the accident. “Currently, we have registered a case against causing death by negligence. The boy was alone in the car at the time. Since he is a minor, we need to take advice from the Juvenile Justice Board to take further steps in this case,” Cheranallur CI Shyam Kumar said.

Jayalakshmi, Jayabalakrishnan’s niece, said, “When I went to the police station, the SHO told me not to get emotional and that it was a 17-year-old who was involved. When I asked whether I could see him, they refused and also told me that he is the son of a district judge.”

Speaking to the media, Jayalakshmi alleged that the minor’s father behaved arrogantly with her when she questioned the Judge about allowing his underage, unlicensed son to drive. “I asked his father if he didn’t know that a 17-year-old cannot drive a vehicle. He replied arrogantly, ‘Don’t you dare to question me, you are not in a position to do that’,” she added.

The family also urged the police to register a case against the parents who gave the vehicle to a minor.