Kochi: Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar has been removed from his post amid allegations of negligence and mishandling of a hit-and-run case involving a 17-year-old boy. R. Nishanthini has been appointed in his place.
Earlier, based on a preliminary investigation, four officers from the Cheranellore police station were suspended. These include CI K.S. Shyam Kumar, SHO V.S. Vishwajeet, Grade ASI K.T. Manoj, and SCPO Arun Joshi.
During the Assembly session, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala assured accountability for any procedural lapses on the part of the police and condemned the alleged leniency of the police in the case.
What is the whole matter?
The incident occurred in Kochi on the morning of Sunday, October 25th. According to police, a Mercedes-Benz car hit a scooter from behind. The accident killed 54-year-old Jayabalakrishnan, a resident of Manjali.
The car was allegedly being driven by the 17-year-old son of an Additional District and Sessions Judge. According to police, the vehicle is registered in the judge’s name.
The teenager was taken into police custody following the incident. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for rash driving and negligent driving causing death.
Initial report does not confirm alcohol consumption
According to preliminary police reports, the teenager was not drunk at the time of the accident. However, his blood samples have been collected for further investigation.
The deceased’s niece told reporters that her uncle ran a food stall to support the family. He was returning home when the accident occurred. According to the woman, the force of the impact was so severe that the scooter was badly damaged and the belongings on it were scattered around the scene. She claimed that her uncle died on the spot.
Deceased’s family raises questions
The deceased’s niece alleged that when she asked the judge at the police station why her minor son was allowed to drive the car, he allegedly spoke to her in an abusive tone.
The woman stated that the family will continue legal action in this matter. She also stated that this incident should teach people not to drive without a driver’s license.
Following the removal of the Police Commissioner and the suspension of four police officers in the case, the focus is on the police’s actions and the fairness of the investigation.
Allegations regarding the juvenile’s role, alleged police negligence, and the judge’s behavior are presented as allegations based on available reports.