Kochi Benz crash: ‘Judge’s minor son often rides bike,’ says apartment staff; police seize superbike

Kochi: In the case where a scooter rider was killed after being hit by a Benz car in Cheranalloor, disclosures have alleged that the accused 17-year-old son of an additional sessions judge regularly rode a two-wheeler as well.

Information indicates that he used a luxury Kawasaki bike in addition to the car. Police recorded the statement of an employee at the flat where the judge resides regarding this matter. Following a seven-hour inspection, police seized the luxury Kawasaki bike allegedly used by the accused.

A staff member of the their apartments told Mathrubhumi News that the 17-year-old regularly drove vehicles. The employee stated that whilst he had seen him riding the bike, he had not seen him driving the car. The bike belongs to the 17-year-old's elder brother. The family did not allow him to ride the bike, and the employee expressed suspicion that he took it without his family's knowledge.

In his statement to the police, the 17-year-old claimed that he learned to drive by watching YouTube videos and took his father's car without his knowledge out of longing. The judge had earlier stated that he was unaware his son had taken the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the police seized the Kawasaki bike after conducting a search at the judge's residence early this morning. Photos of the 17-year-old riding this bike had been shared on Instagram. However, following the incident, the Instagram account was deleted. Police have initiated efforts to recover the account.

The Crime Branch questioned the 17-year-old's father. The interrogation took place after summoning him to the Police Club in Kochi. The Crime Branch proceeded with the questioning after formally obtaining permission from the High Court earlier.

A case had previously been registered against the judge for permitting his minor son to drive the vehicle. The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has issued a show-cause notice prior to suspending the Registration Certificate (RC) of the judge's vehicle.