The development comes amid growing questions over the police response to the crash, in which the judge's minor son. Screengrab: @ANI
Kochi Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh removed after Kochi Mercedes crash: Reports
R Nishanthini has been appointed as his replacement amid allegations of mishandling a fatal accident involving a judge’s 17-year-old son
Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh has reportedly been removed from his post over allegations of mishandling a road accident case involving the 17-year-old son of an additional district judge.
R Nishanthini has been appointed as his replacement, reported NDTV.
What police said
The development comes amid growing questions over the police response to the crash, in which the judge's minor son, driving a Mercedes-Benz, allegedly hit a scooter ridden by 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan, killing him. The victim's family has alleged a conspiracy to weaken the case.
Also Read: Kochi Mercedes crash: Chennithala slams JJB for granting bail to minor; admits police lapses
Police said the teenager had taken the car out late at night to record a social media reel showing him driving at high speed. Investigators suspect the judge had the footage deleted from his son's phone, the report stated. They have also recovered footage from the device showing the Mercedes travelling at high speed shortly before the crash.
The damaged car and the scooter, which was completely wrecked, have drawn attention to the force of the collision.
Victim's family alleges attempt to weaken case
The case has come under closer scrutiny after Jayabalakrishnan's family alleged that the teenager's father was using his influence to weaken the proceedings. Four other police personnel were suspended on Tuesday (October 27) after a senior officer visited the accident site, checked police records and met the victim's relatives.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had assured the Assembly that action would be taken against officials found responsible.
Also Read: Keralam Mercedes crash: 4 cops suspended, Kerala HC report seeks judge’s suspension
The handling of the case had already drawn protests after the teenager was initially booked under provisions related to rash driving and death by negligence, then released on station bail. The charges were later strengthened, and the boy's father, who owned the car, was also reportedly named as an accused.
A police team searched the judge's flat on Tuesday night. The victim's family has approached the High Court, and the Crime Branch has taken over the investigation.
Kochi crash recalls 2024 Pune Porsche case
The Kochi case recalls the 2024 Pune Porsche crash, in which a speeding car driven by a 17-year-old boy hit a motorcycle, killing two people, a man and a woman.
The teenager, the son of a prominent Pune realtor, was granted bail within 15 hours of the crash. The bail conditions included writing an essay on road accidents and seeking treatment for his drinking habit.