Kochi: The family of a 55-year-old man killed in a road accident in Kochi is protesting after the 17-year-old son of an Additional District Judge, who is accused in the case, was granted bail by the Juvenile Justice Board.
The teenager had initially been released on station bail on Sunday evening. But the decision led to protests outside the Cheranelloor police station, where the victim’s relatives and local residents gathered. He was taken into custody again and later produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, which granted him bail.
The police are now facing questions over why the teenager was released in the first place.
Police Face Questions After Initial Release
The incident has drawn the attention of Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, who directed the police to take urgent action following the public outrage.
The Additional Director General of Police in charge of law and order has been asked to look into the alleged lapses. A show-cause notice is also to be issued to Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar.
The victim’s family has alleged that the police handled the case differently after learning about the teenager’s family background. They are demanding strict action against everyone found responsible.
55-Year-Old Scooter Rider Dies at the Spot
The accident happened around 2.20 am on Sunday on Container Road in Cheranelloor, near Kochi. A Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by the teenager rammed into a scooter ridden by Jayabalakrishnan, 55, from Manjali. He died at the scene.
Jayabalakrishnan ran a small roadside eatery near Chittoor temple. He was on his way home after closing the shop for the night when the crash occurred.
His death has left his wife and three children without their main source of income. During the protest outside the police station, his daughter collapsed and had to be taken to hospital.
Police Examine Phone Footage, Father’s Possible Role
Police have recovered footage from the teenager’s mobile phone that reportedly shows him driving at high speed before the accident.
The teenager allegedly took the car out late at night while his parents were asleep. During questioning, he reportedly told investigators that he lost control while trying to avoid a waterlogged stretch of road.
Investigators are also examining whether the teenager’s father, an Additional District Judge who owns the car, could face legal action for allowing his minor son to drive without a licence. Police are looking into the relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and other applicable laws.
The investigation is continuing, while the victim’s family is seeking answers over the accident and the police’s initial decision to release the teenager on station bail.