Kerala Police Promise Strict Action in Cheranalloor Fatal Crash Involving Judge's Son

Senior police officials have assured prompt action on the demands made by the family of 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan, who died after a luxury car struck his scooter in Cheranalloor. ADGP P. Vijayan visited the victim's family at their home in Cheranalloor on Tuesday and promised that a thorough investigation would prioritize their concerns. The fatal accident occurred near a car showroom at Maraparambu on Container Road when a speeding luxury car traveling from Vallarpadam toward Kalamassery rammed into the victim's scooter. According to the FIR, the vehicle was allegedly driven by the 17-year-old son of an additional judge, who was traveling alone at the time.

Investigation and Demands

The visiting police team, which includes an AIG and Circle Inspectors who traveled from Thiruvananthapuram with the ADGP, will examine CCTV footage to check allegations that local officers at the Cheranalloor police station misbehaved with the grieving family and tried to cover up the case. The police have already asked the court to cancel the bail granted to the teenage driver. ADGP Vijayan also met with Kochi City District Police Chief S. Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar for a two-hour review at the police station and inspected the crash site near Maraparambu, where he spoke with a showroom watchman. The family previously staged a protest outside the police station, which ended only after Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala promised action before a Tuesday afternoon deadline. Their demands include the arrest of both the father and the son, alongside the suspension of the additional judge. Regarding the demand to arrest the additional judge, the ADGP noted that the process requires proper judicial permission and a review of governing rules. Meanwhile, the Motor Vehicles Department is working to cancel the car's registration and block the teenager from getting a driving license until he turns 25 by linking his Aadhaar number to the Parivahan portal.

Context

High-profile traffic accidents involving minors often spark intense public scrutiny regarding road safety and accountability, especially when connected to influential families. Traffic investigations rely heavily on digital evidence like CCTV footage and official vehicle registries to establish timelines and enforce regulatory penalties alongside criminal proceedings.