Kerala Files Case Against Judge, Suspends Four Police Officers

Four Cheranalloor police officers have been suspended, and police have registered a case against the judge whose 17-year-old son allegedly drove the Mercedes-Benz that killed scooter rider Jayabalakrishnan. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala admitted in the Kerala Assembly that police mishandled the investigation. He said the law must apply regardless of family status. The High Court is considering separate action against the judge. ^1,3

The case began after the October 25 crash near Kochi, which killed 55-year-old Jayabalakrishnan as he rode home after closing his roadside food stall. Police first filed less serious charges and released the teenager on station bail. They later added a culpable-homicide charge, took him into custody again and brought him before the Juvenile Justice Board, which granted bail. Chennithala said police should have included the more serious charge earlier and told officials to seek cancellation of bail. ^2,5

The four suspended officers face allegations that they mishandled the first response, treated the victim’s family harshly and allowed photographs or footage to be deleted from a phone. The family had demanded action, including against the judge, who is the car’s registered owner. Police registered a case against him under a law that can hold a vehicle owner or guardian responsible when a minor drives. Police have also asked the High Court for permission to arrest him, while the court examines his conduct. ^3,4,9

The dispute now reaches beyond the crash itself: the family and opposition leaders say the early police response raised fears. They say wealth and influence could lead to different treatment under the law. The Juvenile Justice Board’s decision to grant bail has also drawn sharp criticism from Chennithala, though the sources do not show that the board acted improperly. Police are seeking to cancel bail, and the High Court must decide whether to take disciplinary action against the judge. ^2,8