Serious questions have been raised about the police’s initial response to the death of 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan, who was hit by a Mercedes car in Kochi, KeralaHome Minister Ramesh Chennithala admitted police lapses, following which Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar was transferred and four police officers were suspended.
Updated: October 28, 2026, 1:37 PM IST
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Kochi Mercedes Hit-And-Run Case: Police Commissioner transferred, four personnel suspended for negligence involving judge’s son (Pic: X)
Following a fatal accident involving a Mercedes car in Kochi, Kerala, questions are being raised about the police’s handlingThe 17-year-old son of an additional district judge is accused of driving the car55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan died in the accidentPublic outrage grew following the police’s initial actions and the minor’s release on bailAs the controversy deepened, the government transferred Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh KumarState Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala also admitted that serious lapses were committed by the police in the initial stages of the investigation.
The accident, which raised questions about police action after the accident, occurred on October 25th in KochiIt is alleged that a Mercedes-Benz car hit a scooter, killing JayabalakrishnanThe car was reportedly being driven by the minor son of an additional district judgeJust hours after the accident, the police released him from the police station on bailThis decision sparked outrage among the deceased’s family and local residentsThe family alleged that attempts were being made to undermine the case.
Judge’s house searched, CCTV footage collected
On Tuesday, a day before the transfer of the Police Commissioner, the police searched the house of the concerned judgeDuring this, CCTV footage was also collected for investigationEarlier, the judge was made an accused under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles ActUnder this provision, in case a minor commits an offence by driving a vehicle, his guardian or the registered owner of the vehicle can be held responsibleAccording to PTI, the Kerala High Court had given permission to initiate legal action against the judge on Monday.
Home Minister Admits Police Negligence
Speaking on the matter in the Assembly on Tuesday, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said that the police initially failed to invoke the appropriate legal sections related to culpable homicide not amounting to murderHe said that after learning of the case, he spoke with the Director General of Police (DGP)Additional Superintendent of Police PVijayan was subsequently asked to meet with the victim’s family and gather information about the caseAfter receiving the officer’s report, action was taken on the allegations of negligence.
Four policemen suspended
According to the Home Minister, four policemen have been suspended to determine responsibility in the caseThese include a circle inspector, a station house officer (SHO), a sub-inspector, and an assistant civil police officerThe police commissioner has also been transferred amid questions raised in the caseThe government has indicated that any shortcomings and negligence revealed in the investigation will be taken seriously.
