Keralam Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan interacts with the family members of Jayabalakrishnan, who died in a road accident in Cheranalloor, during a visit to their residence, in Kochi, Keralam, Saturday, October 31. PTI
Kochi crash: Minor’s father judge booked for allegedly attempting to destroy evidence
The fresh charges have added another dimension to a case that has triggered widespread public concern over alleged lapses in the police investigation.
The investigation into the fatal Mercedes-Benz crash in Kochi, involving the 17-year-old son of an Additional District Sessions Judge, has taken a fresh turn, with police booking the judge for allegedly attempting to destroy evidence.
The latest action follows a complaint lodged by the family of the deceased, Jayabalakrishnan, alleging that the judge attempted to interfere with the investigation following the October 25 accident.
The fresh charges have added another dimension to a case that has triggered widespread public concern over alleged lapses in the police investigation.
Also read: Vizhinjam port under fresh scrutiny as Kerala HC orders independent erosion study
The accident occurred on October 25 when the Mercedes-Benz rammed a two-wheeler, killing 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan.
Victim's family's allegation
The victim's family had alleged a conspiracy to sabotage the case after the accused minor was initially granted bail at the police station, triggering protests and raising questions over police accountability.
The minor was subsequently taken into custody after additional charges were invoked but was later granted bail by the Juvenile Justice Board.
The accused's father, the judge, was subsequently charged as an accused in the case. However, the Kerala High Court directed the police not to arrest him.
What complaint says
According to the complaint, the judge allegedly spent considerable time at the accident site after the collision in an attempt to destroy or manipulate evidence. The family has also alleged that he visited the Cheranalloor police station and pressured a police officer to delete a photograph of his son, reportedly taken by a member of the victim's family.
Kochi City Police Commissioner R Nishanthini confirmed that the police had received the family's complaint. Police subsequently registered a case against the judge on charges relating to the alleged destruction of evidence.
The judge had earlier been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Motor Vehicles Act in connection with the accident and the alleged responsibility of a guardian for offences committed by a minor using a vehicle.