Keralam Mercedes crash: Victim’s family livid over anticipatory bail to judge

The family of the Mercedes hit-and-run victim in Kochi is unhappy with the anticipatory bail granted to the judge whose minor son is the accused in the case.

On Thursday (October 29), the Kerala High Court granted anticipatory bail to the judge. The victim’s daughter told NDTV that they suspected the judge and his family of tampering with evidence at the crime scene.

Bhadrakeerthi told NDTV that the boy’s parents “spent several hours” at the crime scene. The boy’s father is an additional district and sessions judge serving in a Thrissur district court.

Lives crushed under luxury car

The judge’s 17-year-old son is accused of running over a 55-year-old man, Jayabalakrishnan, and killing him on the spot early on Sunday (October 25). The boy allegedly rammed Jayabalakrishnan’s scooter with a Mercedes-Benz registered in the judge’s name.

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

Jayabalakrishnan, who was the sole breadwinner of the family, ran a small street-food stall for 30 years to support his family and educate his three children. He was returning home at the end of the day’s work when the car rammed him down.

Bhadrakeerthi told NDTV they had pinned their hopes on the high court and called the bail decision disappointing. She added that there was “evidence against the judge and his son” and yet the law was “supporting” them because “he is a judge”. The family has been demanding the judge’s arrest.

‘Contradiction in statement’

The judge claimed in high court that he was unaware that his son was driving his car and argued that he could not be held liable for an offence he was unaware of.

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

Bhadrakeerthi pointed out the contradiction in his statement, saying he had earlier claimed that his son learnt to drive by watching YouTube videos and several videos were available on the boy’s social media accounts showing him driving at high speeds. His accounts have now been deleted.

The teenager reportedly claimed that he was driving the car for the “first time” and learnt to drive by watching YouTube videos. However, he had allegedly posted many Instagram reels driving the same Mercedes-Benz at speeds of up to 200 kmph.

Bhadrakeerthi has vowed to continue her fight for justice. “My father was a common man, but he taught us good values in life,” she told NDTV.