Keralam Mercedes crash: 4 cops suspended, Kerala HC report seeks judge’s suspension

Four police officers, including the Cheranalloor Circle Inspector, have been suspended for alleged lapses in handling the fatal road accident involving the 17-year-old son of an Additional District and Sessions Judge. Meanwhile, a report by the Kerala High Court has recommended the immediate suspension of the judicial officer, flagging his personal visit to the police station in connection with the case as a serious lapse.

Justice PV Kunhikrishnan, the portfolio judge for Thrissur district, has written to the Chief Justice recommending the judge’s suspension and a detailed inquiry. The report of the HC reportedly observed that the judicial officer’s conduct brought disrepute to the judiciary. The High Court’s Administrative Committee is expected to consider the recommendation.

Judge’s visit to police station flagged

The report specifically flagged the judge’s visit to the Cheranalloor police station in connection with the accident involving his son, reportedly without prior permission from the Principal Sessions Judge and outside his official duties. The development has intensified scrutiny of the conduct of the judge, who serves at the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal in Irinjalakuda.

Also Read: Fatal crash involving Keralam judge’s son puts police, judiciary under scrutiny

The police officers suspended are Cheranalloor CI Shyam Kumar, SHO Viswajith, CPO Arun, and ASI Manoj. The action followed a report by ADGP P Vijayan, who visited the police station to examine the handling of the case. The investigation has since been transferred to the District Crime Branch.

Accident and aftermath

The accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday (October 25) on Container Road at Cheranalloor, when a Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the teenager rammed into the scooter of Jayabalakrishnan, 55, a resident of Manjali in Ernakulam district. He was returning home after closing his roadside eatery when the collision occurred.

The teenager was initially booked for rash driving and causing death by negligence and released on station bail. Police subsequently added Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Investigators suspect that the car was travelling at more than 100 kmph.

Also Read: Keralam Mercedes crash: Judge’s minor son taken into custody after protests

The Juvenile Justice Board later granted the teenager bail, citing the absence of previous criminal antecedents. Police have initiated steps to challenge the order before the higher court.

The handling of the case had triggered public outrage, with allegations that the teenager received preferential treatment because of his father’s position. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala acknowledged lapses in the police response and assured the Assembly that action would be taken against those responsible.

Judge booked

The judge has also been booked under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, which provides for the liability of a vehicle owner or guardian when a juvenile commits an offence using the vehicle. During questioning, he reportedly told investigators that his son had taken the car without his knowledge.

Also Read: Kerala judge booked after minor son’s Mercedes crash kills scooter rider

Jayabalakrishnan’s family had protested outside the Cheranalloor police station, demanding action against the teenager, his father, and the police officers involved in the initial handling of the case. The protest was called off after assurances of government intervention.