Kochi: Police are forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the fatal Cheranallur road accident that claimed the life of scooterist Jayabalakrishnan. The move follows serious allegations raised by the victim’s family, who dispute claims made by the accused 17-year-old’s father, an Additional Sessions Judge, that the teenager was driving for the first time.

Police have arraigned the judge, who is the registered owner of the Mercedes-Benz involved in the crash, for allowing his minor son to drive. Ahead of taking action against the judicial officer, police will seek expert legal advice and formal permission from a High Court judge. The decision to constitute an SIT was taken after Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala called the State Police Chief to express dissatisfaction with the initial police handling of the case.

 

Minor’s frequent driving and speeding videos contradict father's defence

The victim’s children strongly rejected the father's claim that his son had taken the vehicle out for the first time. Jayabalakrishnan's family revealed that the teenager frequently drove cars, citing photos and videos posted on his social media profiles showing him driving at speeds of up to 208 km/h.

“The father claimed his son was driving for the very first time. The social media posts showing him driving regularly prove how far they are going to shield him,” a family member said, accusing the police of favouring the influential accused over an ordinary family running a street food stall.

 

Protests continue over speedy bail and alleged police inaction

The minor was presented before the Juvenile Justice Board under Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with other relevant provisions, and was granted bail on the grounds of having no prior criminal record.

Jayabalakrishnan's daughter Bhadrakeerthi and her family condemned the police's handling of the case, stating they have lost faith in the investigation and will protest until justice is served. The family highlighted the stark contrast in treatment, noting that while they were forced to wait nearly 12 hours at the Medical College mortuary to receive Jayabalakrishnan's body, the 17-year-old was granted bail within moments of arriving at the police station.

The family announced plans to pursue legal remedies, including approaching the High Court to demand strict legal action against the judge.