Kochi Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh has been removed, a day after four personnel were suspended over alleged lapses in handling the fatal Mercedes-Benz crash case.
Kochi: The Kerala government on Wednesday removed Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh amid the controversy over the handling of a fatal road accident involving the 17-year-old son of an Additional District Judge.
R. Nishanthini will replace Mahesh as Kochi City Police Commissioner.
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The move comes a day after the government suspended four police personnel attached to Cheranalloor police station over alleged lapses in handling the case, which has triggered protests and demands for accountability.
The suspended personnel are Circle Inspector K.S. Shyam Kumar, Station House Officer V.S. Viswajith, Grade Assistant Sub-Inspector K.T. Manoj and Senior Civil Police Officer Arun Joshi.
Their suspension followed a preliminary inquiry by ADGP P. Vijayan, who visited the accident site, examined police records and met the victim’s family.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had assured the Assembly that action would be taken against officials found responsible. The controversy has intensified while the Assembly is in session.
Also read | ‘Judge acted as if we had no right to question him’: Wife of man killed in Kochi Mercedes-Benz crash
What happened in the Cheranalloor accident?
The case concerns the death of Jayabalakrishnan (55) who was riding a scooter when a Mercedes-Benz allegedly driven by a teenager hit him on Container Road in Cheranalloor early on Sunday. Jayabalakrishnan ran a roadside eatery.
The handling of the case came under scrutiny after the teenager was initially booked under provisions relating to rash driving and causing death by negligence, and was later released on station bail.
The case was subsequently strengthened, and the teenager’s father, who owns the car, was also named as an accused.
A police team inspected the judge’s flat in Aluva on Tuesday night as part of the investigation. Investigators examined CCTV footage and collected evidence.
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The investigation has been transferred to the Crime Branch.
Jayabalakrishnan’s family has decided to approach the Kerala High Court seeking further action in the case.
The government is facing pressure to ensure a fair investigation into the crash and the alleged lapses in its handling, irrespective of the status of those involved.
(With IANS inputs)
Published: 28 Oct 2026, 11:43 am IST
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