‘Life over speed’: Kerala CM Satheesan warns of strict action after fatal crashes
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Monday warned of stringent action against road traffic violations, saying there would be no compromise on enforcement as the state faces renewed concerns over fatal crashes involving alleged speeding and underage driving.
In a social media post, Satheesan said strong measures would be taken to prevent the loss of precious lives on roads and that those violating traffic laws would face strict legal action.
“Young people’s lives should not end on the roads or be confined to legal proceedings. The world needs you,” he said, urging young people to prioritise safety over speed and travel responsibly by following traffic rules.
His remarks come amid public anger over a fatal Mercedes-Benz crash in Kochi’s Cheranallur, in which a 17-year-old driving the car hit a scooter, killing rider Jayabalakrishnan. Police have registered a case against the car’s owner, an Additional Sessions Judge, for allegedly allowing his minor son to drive.
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SIT to probe fatal Mercedes-Benz crash
Police are constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the Cheranallur accident following allegations by the victim’s family that the teenager had driven cars before the crash, contrary to his father’s claim that it was his first time driving.
The family cited photographs and social media videos showing the teenager driving regularly, including at high speeds.
The teenager was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and granted bail, with the absence of a prior criminal record cited as a consideration. The victim’s family has criticised the handling of the case and said it would pursue legal remedies.
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Earlier fatal crash raises wider road-safety concerns
Satheesan’s warning also comes amid scrutiny of the fatal Mini Cooper crash near Kochi International Airport earlier this month, which killed three young people travelling on a scooter.
Police said the car, driven by Suhail Sajeev, was travelling at an estimated 140–150 km/h shortly before the collision, based on video footage recorded by a passenger. Investigators are also seeking technical data from the vehicle’s Event Data Recorder.
The case has prompted concerns over alleged high-speed driving and road safety on the airport road, where residents have reported incidents of dangerous driving.
Satheesan urged young people to value life over speed, warning that traffic violations would invite strict legal action. His message comes amid ongoing investigations into fatal crashes involving alleged reckless driving.